Embracing a Digital Declutter for a Better Life Experience
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Chapter 1: The Need for a Digital Reset
Lately, I've come to the realization that my digital existence seems to dominate my life, rather than the other way around. I find myself instinctively reaching for my phone during the slightest pause: if my wife leaves the room during a movie, I grab my phone. During commercial breaks? Phone again. Even a brief wait for a timer prompts me to check my device.
Most of the time, there's nothing worthwhile to see—just mindless scrolling or games that do little to enrich my life. There are also those moments when I don't even want to engage with my phone, but notifications draw me in. What starts as a simple check for the time can swiftly spiral into a dive into Facebook.
So, I've decided it's time to make a change.
Reflecting on this, I realize it was bound to happen. I observe others, too, glued to their phones in public settings. Couples ignore each other at restaurants while waiting for their coffee, and family members confess to staying up late, lost in games on their devices.
Digital saturation is real, and it’s compulsive.
Why am I opting for a digital declutter? A while back, I noticed I was spending more time on my phone than I desired. I began leaving it at home during family visits and systematically silenced notifications from apps I wanted to keep but didn't want incessantly pinging me. I also utilized Apple's Notification Summary feature, which allows me to group notifications and review them at designated times.
I've come to understand that I miss the nuances of life while fixated on my phone. Instead of taking a few moments to tidy up or read a few pages of a book, I find myself scrolling endlessly. Life unfolds in these small moments, and the idea of improving just 1% daily is about making use of those fleeting minutes. If we embraced those small opportunities—a quick tidy-up, a moment of affection with our partner, a few push-ups, or practice on an instrument—everything would feel more manageable. However, sacrificing these moments to our devices makes us feel like we need to dedicate whole chunks of time to accomplish tasks, which feels overwhelming.
Our devices rob us of joy and personal growth, and we allow it to happen.
After watching The Social Dilemma, I became acutely aware of how we are manipulated into giving our attention to these devices. What we perceive as convenience comes at a cost, as massive corporations invest heavily to capture our focus. Our brains crave downtime, a chance to process and unwind. This is the first time in human history where constant distraction is prevalent, and it’s detrimental to our well-being.
Moreover, the film highlighted how our divided society results from tailored online experiences that isolate us from differing viewpoints, making it increasingly challenging to engage with others who hold opposing views.
The turning point for me occurred earlier this year when I finally decided to stop wearing my Apple Watch.
5 Reasons for Ditching My Apple Watch
While the Apple Watch is undeniably impressive, it also became a source of frustration, leading me to remove it for good.
As I navigated through my feelings of digital fatigue, I discovered Cal Newport's Digital Minimalism. In the introductory chapter, Newport emphasizes a crucial point: Facebook and smartphones weren't introduced with the intention of fundamentally altering our social structures; they were mere distractions at first. Yet, the mobile revolution that followed transformed our lives in ways we never anticipated.
The original iPhone was marketed primarily as a device that combined the functionalities of an iPod and a phone. When it launched in 2007, it lacked the app store, social media notifications, or the habit of compulsively checking our devices multiple times during a meal. It’s astonishing to think that what started as a simple music player ultimately became a device we check eighty-five times a day.
For those who might not remember, there was a time when we could experience boredom and allow our minds to wander. We could engage in creative activities and enjoy the outdoors without the lure of our phones. I recall a power outage during my teenage years where, without electronics, I read a hundred pages of a book, followed by candlelit family time.
Newport poignantly notes that we inadvertently allowed new technologies to take over our lives, leading to a reality where most of us reach for our phones first thing in the morning and last thing at night.
What My Digital Declutter Entails
Newport suggests a three-step process, starting with a 30-day declutter, where you remove everything you can. The term "feasibly" is essential here, as it allows for genuine necessities, such as work emails or apps used for professional purposes.
This approach isn’t about stashing your devices away; it’s about reclaiming control over them, keeping them close but diminishing their influence over us. By removing distractions for a month, we can distinguish what we truly need, free from the excuses of "I need Instagram" or "the news app is essential."
After the month, you'll have the insight to decide what to reintroduce and under what circumstances. For instance, I might choose to reinstall a news app but limit its use to breakfast time.
This isn't about deprivation; it’s about regaining our focus.
My rules for the next 30 days are as follows:
- Removed snooker game from my phone.
- Kept work email accessible, but notifications are grouped in my Summary.
- Personal email remains, but I’ll unsubscribe from attention-stealing senders.
- Deleted social media apps from my device.
- I’ll use Medium solely for writing and checking notifications.
- Reddit and Quora are eliminated.
- For Netflix, we can enjoy one film or a maximum of two episodes nightly.
What Will I Do Instead?
Fortunately, Newport's book provides insights on how to fill the time previously spent on devices. He shares inspiring stories from participants who engaged in activities like reading multiple books or rediscovering old hobbies.
The initial days may be tough; one participant had such a compulsive need to check his phone that he memorized the weather for five cities. However, as time passes, many adjust and stop the mindless phone grabs.
Since I began this journey, I found myself reaching for my phone multiple times, only to remind myself that my game wasn’t there. Instead, I spent quality time with my wife in the kitchen, engaged in conversation while helping tidy up. Later, while watching a show, I focused entirely on it rather than browsing social media.
The first day concluded with my phone reporting a 68% reduction in usage and an 80% drop in pickups.
Over the coming month, I aim to:
- Enjoy more quality family time.
- Read extensively.
- Practice guitar with intention.
- Work on my mobility.
- Reconnect with my thoughts.
- Invest energy into creative projects like writing and crafting.
Of course, there’s a chance I might falter and reinstall my apps, vowing never to part from them again. However, I believe this moment of change is long overdue. I’m excited to finally take charge of my digital tools, aligning them with my goals instead of letting them dictate my life.
Whatever the outcome, I’ll keep you posted.
Update: My declutter is complete, and here are the 5 lessons I learned.
5 Lessons from a 30-Day Digital Declutter
“I find myself reaching for my phone at the smallest of interruptions.” Not anymore.
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The first video chronicles the start of a major digital declutter, marking a fresh beginning in life.
The second video offers insights into digital decluttering strategies for 2024, providing inspiration for those looking to simplify their digital lives.