Need to get out of technology’s grip?
Some people proactively set limits on how, when, and what technology they will use. Others find out they are wasting a lot of time first before they decide to take matters back into their own hands and use technology to work on something they value, as opposed to letting it take away valuable time and attention.
These small settings and applications, in this order, have proven to be worth hours a week. It’s not a definite list, but does the job for me:
Minimize your tech stack to a computer/laptop and a phone. Is there really any added value to a smartwatch, tablet, or wearable if it hijacks your attention continuously?
Only meet face to face for very important matters. (Video)-Call, email, or text message (in that order) for matters of medium to very low importance.
Pick a cadence, when, on what device and how long, to check your inbox. A browser's plug-in-like “inbox when ready” can help guard these limits.
Pick a cadence, when and how long to check your phone. Focus settings can help on IOS; critically turning off most notifications works on all devices. Leaving your phone in a set place, like the old landline used to be, is the low-tech version of this.
You can set up the app “SelfControl” (IOS) to block any website that might distract you in your browser. You can use the Chrome plug-in “NewsFeedEradicator” to turn the newsfeed of any social media platform online into an inspiring quote.
The value of all these tools and tactics is in making a decision once, so you don’t have to do that every single day. The set schedules have proved to be a game changer in making sure you stick to these decisions, even in moments of low willpower.
We all know using tech only to our advantage is possible. If only we managed to do that most of the time 🤷♂️.
