Mondays aren’t easy. Sometimes you need an assist. Enter Dreamhackers: We’re going to bring you some tips, tricks and motivation to kickstart your week. Every week.

We’re a small company and we each wear a lot of hats on any given day. But one thing is true for all of us: Technology can be overwhelming. 

We’re sure you can relate. Even if you don’t work on the inter webs, it’s easy to get swept up in the noise of a thousand apps, devices, dings, buzzes, and information streams. 

We believe that the potential for technology to assist you and improve your life is unprecedented (in fact, we’re betting on it). But it can be easy to get lost in all the information and products available to you as a modern consumer of technology. 

So, what’s the solution? We’re always tinkering with ways to streamline our interaction with our various screens.

And this week’s Dreamhackers is inspired by a post by Dean Kakridas from Alex Bogusky’s FearLess Revolution blog: 

Top 5 Strategies for Managing Technology Overload

1. Just say no!

When Google+ launched, it was heralded by “famous” bloggers like Robert Scoble as the social network to rule them all. I didn’t buy it and decided from the outset to ignore the service altogether no matter how many invitations or “glowing” reviews. With Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Posterous, and host of others, did I REALLY need another digital diversion to demand my time? Nope.  

2. Try before you buy

If it’s on my phone, computer, or any device, I give new apps or services a probation period to prove their worth. If I’m not getting smarter, wealthier, healthier, more efficient, or more connected to meaningful people within 3-6 months, I’m deleting or shutting it down without remorse. GoWalla was a recent example where I was one of the first on board and first to bolt when it was apparent that there was no real reward for the time commitment to participate. Turned out to be a wise decision. Foursquare is likely next to go. 

3. Understand WHY you are using a new technology

As mentioned above, every app or service should have a specific unit of value for every unit of time spent with it. Do some homework and get to know your technology components, thinking about the end game—the concrete value it reallybrings you. Are you building your personal or company brand? Are you looking to grow your friends or follower list? Are you positioning for your next job or client? Are you forging a better future? Avoid overlap and digital “islands” that don’t effectively complement or supplement other assets in your technology portfolio. 

4. Design a technology portfolio

Look no further than the financial investment world for a strategy to “balance” your technology portfolio like your financial asset allocation. Based on your age, goals, budgeted screen time, and overall “digital health”, choose the appropriate time investment allocation for your chosen tech components. Currently, mine roughly looks like: 30% Apple (iOS), 15% Google Apps, 15% Facebook, 15% Twitter, 10% LinkedIn, 10% blogging, 5% experimental (Foursquare, Pinterest, Quora, etc.) And like any good investment portfolio, keep it SIMPLE and manageable. 

5. Screen-less Sundays

Consider using your Sunday (or even a portion of it) as a day to abstain from technology. Use the mobile phone only for voice calls, but power down your computer, tablet, and Kindle. Read a physical book in the park, take a long hike, enjoy a sport or fitness activity, spend time with family or friends, or just meditate under a tree. Just try to be outdoors, breathe fresh air, and admire the simple beauty of nature all around you. 

(Source: fearlessrevolution.com)