Q. I work remotely so a lot of my work is online which means I spend a lot of time responding to emails and social media inquiries.  Many of the responses are the same but take time to write.  There isn’t enough time in my day to get everything done so I respond at night and even then I can’t keep up.  Do you have any suggestions?

A. Great question! In your attempt to be professional, you have set a standard of response to strangers with an extremely high cost to you professionally and most likely personally as well.  It’s important to remember when everyone is important, no one is important.  Priorities require choice.  Begin to create systems that filter in the most important people – people who fill you up and/or people who are professional priorities – and distance yourself from the rest.  Use technology to filter those who aren’t priority.  For example, you can create autoresponders on email and social media for commonly asked questions and/or let people know you have scheduled times when you respond (“Please know I respond to inquiries between 1 pm – 2 pm and 5 pm – 6 pm daily.”)

In today’s all-access, fast-paced, 24/7 culture, it is important to recognize the work is never going to be “done.”  You MUST ask yourself  “What can I do to maximize my energy today?”  It’s also important to set YOUR standards for operation.  Customer service does not mean you are at the customer’s beck and call.  It is physically and emotionally impossible to provide quality service if you do not take time to recharge. Take time for you so you can overflow to those you serve.

Laura Treonze, serves as Chief Life Strategist with LMT Consulting, which helps executives and teams create massive success through self-awareness. Her life-changing approach has transformed individuals and families and has redefined the way non-profits and corporations “do” business.