I admit I’m an addict. I can’t go a day without it. I have anxiety when I go without it for too long. I generally only stop when I sleep.
There is a reason the public refers to it as the ‘Crackberry’.
In The Beginning
In my early sales career, I was one of the last to hang on to the Beeper. “Who wants to be constantly accessible,” I argued. I wasn’t a doctor! But at that time my territory was the city of San Francisco. Having been stuck in traffic one too many times, I finally caved to the pressure and got my first cell phone. Life as I knew it was over.
The Progression
Over the years it became more and more important to me. Email, texting, phone calls, internet – all in that small device that I could take anywhere. I become more reliant on it. Now, I hardly ever leave a room without it – let alone the house. It’s one of the surefire reason to turn the car around.
I’ve set rules for myself. I don’t answer it during meals. I don’t look at it when I am picking up or dropping off my kids at school. And no business after 7:30 at night. But I admit, I fall off the wagon sometimes.
The Incident
Last Thursday morning, I had clients in town and I had a day of showing property ahead of me. The day was plotted with diligence and efficiency and I was more than prepared. As we began to load my vehicle, the client shared with me that they had decided about 50% of the properties were not necessary to look at. What is that saying…the best laid plans…
I placed my Crackberry on the front of the car as I quickly scramble through my listings to rearrange our day, a little flustered at first, but flexible. Off we went.
Couple miles later, I noticed something fly off the hood of the car. Being focused on the conversation, I initially didn’t think too much about it. But soon after, with a sinking feeling and a small rush of anxiety, I realized it would likely be some time before my next fix.
Quitting Without 12 Steps
I was forced to go cold turkey. That first day was challenging. No emails. No text messages. No phone calls. I felt disconnected, separated.
But suddenly, I had visions of a potential new high – the new 3G iPhone. Just the thought of it was thrilling.
I came home and told my husband about the incident and the visions of the new phone in my future. He told me not to worry – the Crackberry was insured! Oh.
It’s been nearly 4 full days without my phone. I’ve had moments of frustration and I’m sure a delay in responding to people. But it’s been rather freeing. Everyday seems a little easier than the last. Today, my new phone should arrive UPS and feelings are mixed.
Passing on the Addiction
My son finished elementary school last week. (Brag moment – he received a President’s Scholastic Achievement Award and was one of a few to receive a Citizenship Award. I sat in the audience and responded as if I had just won an Oscar.) He’s been complaining that he’s the only one without a cell phone – although I highly doubt he’s the only one. I’d been denying him this ‘privilege’ but after the award ceremony, I caved.
Yesterday, he got his own cell phone. Already, he’s begun carrying it everywhere he goes. I shake my head knowing that the lifelong addiction has just begun.
Linsey Planeta is the Broker Owner of Belterra Fine Homes in Orange County, California. Linsey rants regularly on her blog, OC Real Estate Voice. She also provides sellers with tips on how to get their home sold on Why Didn't My Home Sell? She has been an active Real Estate Coach and Instructor and loves working with agents so that they may look at their business with fresh eyes, renewed purpose, and defined systems. Linsey can be found in her office or you can also find her on Twitter@Linsey.

Joe Loomer
June 23, 2009 at 11:29 am
Linsey – I hate to be the one to break this to you. I have kids who are now 22 , 16, and 13. I can tell you with absolute certainty that you will probably want to open up a separate bank account to pay for the number of phones your son (congrats by the way) will break, lose, drop in the toilet, take swimming, feed to the dog, lend to a friend, play football with, skateboard over, or otherwise obliterate in uninsurable ways over the next several years.
Just thought I’d let you know what’s coming! Have a Great Day!
Navy Chief, Navy Pride
Linsey
June 23, 2009 at 11:32 am
Joe – LOL!! Hilarious. I already had a sneaking suspicion. If they’ve inherited my tendency, I’m definitely in trouble.
Michelle
June 23, 2009 at 12:24 pm
I too am an addict everyone. Yes, I use every moment of every day. I even take it to the bathroom with me…just in case. I can not lie anymore….I have a problem.
If a rehab center exists in Southern California, please let me know! I will stay far away! HA HA