I know I’m late to the party commenting on this one, but I have also been pairing down my apps, digital clutter, and overall Internet presence. My goal is to use technology as little as possible while still running my business and keeping up with other obligations that require the Internet.
But I haven’t yet crossed from the state where my brain bounces from thought to thought into the state of concentration that Cal Newport discusses in Deep Work. I used to be able to think like that when I was younger, and I am realizing that much of the loss of that ability can be attributed to too much time spent on distracting technologies.
Cal Newport's "Deep Work" was eye-opening for me. I honestly didn't know how dependent I was on my phone until I accepted one of the challenges he poses in the book: Go to lunch without your phone. I was shocked to see how many times I reflexively grabbed my leg, grasping for my phone, before remembering I'd left it at the office and then repeating the same action a minute later, like an addict.
I think that's why podcasts exploded ten years ago. People were looking for ways to escape that digital clutter. I think I've gravitated to Substack for a similar reason. I like getting an article in my email and focusing on just that, reading from start to finish. It's calming and rewarding.
This is very insightful! I read an excellent book recently that helped me quiet my mind. It's called "Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender." Some of the concepts are weird, but I appreciate people willing to express that. I learned a lot about conquering my busy, obsessive thoughts.
Very timely! I’ve stepped back from social this year (removed all social apps on my phone about 2 months ago!) and have been making room for whatever it is the Lord is leading me to next. Right now, I’m kind of an expert at saying ‘no’ to pretty much everything except family.
Thanks for the post - I'm going to check out those 3 books. I've read Cal Newport's books before, he usually has good ideas. Appreciate the thought you've put into your revised approach!
I know I’m late to the party commenting on this one, but I have also been pairing down my apps, digital clutter, and overall Internet presence. My goal is to use technology as little as possible while still running my business and keeping up with other obligations that require the Internet.
But I haven’t yet crossed from the state where my brain bounces from thought to thought into the state of concentration that Cal Newport discusses in Deep Work. I used to be able to think like that when I was younger, and I am realizing that much of the loss of that ability can be attributed to too much time spent on distracting technologies.
How is your journey going now? 
“Are the majority of your posts political?
Yes? Unfriend.”
Haha awesome!
Cal Newport's "Deep Work" was eye-opening for me. I honestly didn't know how dependent I was on my phone until I accepted one of the challenges he poses in the book: Go to lunch without your phone. I was shocked to see how many times I reflexively grabbed my leg, grasping for my phone, before remembering I'd left it at the office and then repeating the same action a minute later, like an addict.
I think that's why podcasts exploded ten years ago. People were looking for ways to escape that digital clutter. I think I've gravitated to Substack for a similar reason. I like getting an article in my email and focusing on just that, reading from start to finish. It's calming and rewarding.
This is very insightful! I read an excellent book recently that helped me quiet my mind. It's called "Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender." Some of the concepts are weird, but I appreciate people willing to express that. I learned a lot about conquering my busy, obsessive thoughts.
I love your writing BTW.
Very timely! I’ve stepped back from social this year (removed all social apps on my phone about 2 months ago!) and have been making room for whatever it is the Lord is leading me to next. Right now, I’m kind of an expert at saying ‘no’ to pretty much everything except family.
Thanks for the post - I'm going to check out those 3 books. I've read Cal Newport's books before, he usually has good ideas. Appreciate the thought you've put into your revised approach!