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.
I've done really well with keeping the apps off the phone. I did put a few back on during the holidays--Amazon (for shopping), Facebook (for posting a couple of life updates), and Instagram--but I found myself getting sucked in again, so I removed FB & IG again. I'll likely remove Amazon in the next few weeks after I've completed some returns.
I can truly say that I haven't missed Facebook. What I need to know, I'll find out some way. Now if I can get into that state of concentration....
Indistractable by Nir Eyal is really good and practical for minimizing distractions. I took his advice and moved all the potentially distracting apps that remained off of my phone’s home screen, so now I have to go into the app library and search for them if I need them. I also turned off all notifications, including badges, and I set up different focus options in my iPhone. One of them hides the screen where I keep apps like Amazon and text messages. It’s amazing how much of a difference that’s already made. 
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.
Ouch! I’m not sure I could go a whole lunch without my phone without doing the same. While I have gotten rid of many of the distracting apps and have found better ways to use my time (like reading wonderful ideas on Substack!) I’m not sure I can untether yet.
I keep telling myself things like, “Once this stem cell transplant is done” or “Once he’s through the hard part of rehab,” but I know there will always be a “reason” to need my phone.
I’m going to check out “Deep Work,” and maybe an hour away from the device will be my goal for next week!
Baby steps, right? It's hard. It's such a connected world. But even some periods of time without distraction can be helpful.
This may be random, but one of the things I really missed during the pandemic was the gym, not just because I like being active but because I would go to the steam room after. Those were the only 20 minutes of my day during which I was fully disconnected and, consequently, fully present.
Fully present. Oh, to be that way again. I recently wrote an essay about me and my best friend from middle school, and I realized that we had no iPhones or social media then. It doesn’t mean we weren’t distracted, but there was much more time for simple things like running around outside and making up stories together. 
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.
So refreshing, Erin! I think it's good to share our retreats from social media because society tells us we can't live without it. How will I know when the grocery store has a sale on ribs? How will I get details about my child's school event? What about my niece who will soon be posting new baby pics? <--I love that Digital Minimalism has some great examples of how people have designed a technology use plan that keeps them in the know with what matters but maintains boundaries. Praying for your focus and family time right now!
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!
Definitely check out Digital Minimalism. I wasn't sure I'd get much out of it, but there are so many references to studies about social media, mobile devices, and behavioral and mental health. Some literature and history lessons in there as well. Glad to give you some ideas!
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? 
I've done really well with keeping the apps off the phone. I did put a few back on during the holidays--Amazon (for shopping), Facebook (for posting a couple of life updates), and Instagram--but I found myself getting sucked in again, so I removed FB & IG again. I'll likely remove Amazon in the next few weeks after I've completed some returns.
I can truly say that I haven't missed Facebook. What I need to know, I'll find out some way. Now if I can get into that state of concentration....
Indistractable by Nir Eyal is really good and practical for minimizing distractions. I took his advice and moved all the potentially distracting apps that remained off of my phone’s home screen, so now I have to go into the app library and search for them if I need them. I also turned off all notifications, including badges, and I set up different focus options in my iPhone. One of them hides the screen where I keep apps like Amazon and text messages. It’s amazing how much of a difference that’s already made. 
“Are the majority of your posts political?
Yes? Unfriend.”
Haha awesome!
Heck. Yes. I've got friends of all political flavors, and social media is not where I want to partake of those flavors.
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.
Ouch! I’m not sure I could go a whole lunch without my phone without doing the same. While I have gotten rid of many of the distracting apps and have found better ways to use my time (like reading wonderful ideas on Substack!) I’m not sure I can untether yet.
I keep telling myself things like, “Once this stem cell transplant is done” or “Once he’s through the hard part of rehab,” but I know there will always be a “reason” to need my phone.
I’m going to check out “Deep Work,” and maybe an hour away from the device will be my goal for next week!
Baby steps, right? It's hard. It's such a connected world. But even some periods of time without distraction can be helpful.
This may be random, but one of the things I really missed during the pandemic was the gym, not just because I like being active but because I would go to the steam room after. Those were the only 20 minutes of my day during which I was fully disconnected and, consequently, fully present.
Fully present. Oh, to be that way again. I recently wrote an essay about me and my best friend from middle school, and I realized that we had no iPhones or social media then. It doesn’t mean we weren’t distracted, but there was much more time for simple things like running around outside and making up stories together. 
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.
Thanks for the recommendation--I'll check that out!
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.
So refreshing, Erin! I think it's good to share our retreats from social media because society tells us we can't live without it. How will I know when the grocery store has a sale on ribs? How will I get details about my child's school event? What about my niece who will soon be posting new baby pics? <--I love that Digital Minimalism has some great examples of how people have designed a technology use plan that keeps them in the know with what matters but maintains boundaries. Praying for your focus and family time right now!
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!
Definitely check out Digital Minimalism. I wasn't sure I'd get much out of it, but there are so many references to studies about social media, mobile devices, and behavioral and mental health. Some literature and history lessons in there as well. Glad to give you some ideas!