Introduction
As I prepare for a long-awaited first dip of the summer in the Balearic Sea, I’ve been thinking a lot about digital minimalism. Well, maybe not a lot, but every time I see a family sitting at a dinner table in a restaurant and all of them are hunched over their phones. Ugh.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m no luddite. I don’t want to go back to old desk phones and paper. For me, it’s a vital step towards living by my core values: the golden rule, kaizen (continuous improvement), and leaving the world better than I found it. Mobile phones, in particular, seem like one of the worst things to have happened to our species, driving us away from being present and social. Here’s my personal journey towards digital minimalism and how it has helped me find balance.
Reflecting on My Relationship with Technology
Why Digital Minimalism? My main motivation for practicing digital minimalism stems from the pervasive impact of mobile phones. I believe we need to find our way back to being present and social. The constant ping of notifications and the pressure to be always available are distractions that pull us away from meaningful interactions.
Core Values at the Forefront Living by the golden rule, striving for continuous improvement, and aiming to leave the world better than I found it are my guiding principles. Technology, when not managed properly, can easily derail these values by consuming our time and attention.
My Digital Minimalism Journey
- Defining My Core Values By focusing on my core values, I ensure that my use of technology aligns with them. This means prioritizing genuine connections over virtual ones and continuous improvement in how I manage my digital life.
- Favorite Offline Activities To reclaim my time, I immerse myself in activities that bring joy and fulfillment: exercising (mainly walking, biking, and calisthenics), writing, and cooking. These activities help me stay grounded and present.
- Problematic Digital Habits Some digital habits I find particularly problematic include putting a phone on the dinner table, especially when dining out with family or friends, and people managing emails during meetings. These actions detract from the quality of our interactions and engagement.
- Personal Anecdote I’ve learned that task switching can be overwhelming. Planning is crucial to avoid bouncing from one task to another without a clear plan for my time. Without a solid plan, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of distractions.
Strategies for Managing Digital Use
- Careful Planning Each day, I plan my schedule meticulously. Instead of vague calendar entries like “Project work,” I specify tasks with clear titles and bullet points in the body of the calendar item. This clarity helps me stay focused and reduces unnecessary task switching.
- Email Management I avoid checking emails on my phone unless it’s absolutely necessary. This helps prevent the habit of reviewing the same emails multiple times before actually addressing them. Every time we switch tasks, it takes 15-20 minutes to get back into a state of flow, so minimizing unnecessary email checks is crucial.
- Avoiding Task Switching By recognizing that constant task switching prevents us from reaching a state of flow, I strive to stay focused on one task at a time. Those who spend their days switching between tasks often produce lower quality work and are less productive.
Support System
I’m fortunate to have a supportive team and a mentor who understand and encourage my efforts towards digital minimalism. Their support makes this journey more manageable and reinforces the importance of maintaining a balanced digital life.
Conclusion
Digital minimalism isn’t about rejecting technology but about using it in a way that supports a balanced and fulfilling life. By reflecting on my values, taking intentional breaks, and establishing mindful habits, I’ve created a healthier relationship with technology. This journey is personal and ongoing, but the rewards of a more focused and intentional life are well worth the effort.
How will you start your digital minimalism journey today?
Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s inspire and support each other in finding balance in this tech-driven world. And please, leave the phones off the table at dinner.
