Transforming My Phone Habit for Enhanced Productivity and Well-Being
Written on
Chapter 1: My Journey to Productivity
I found myself in a perplexing situation. Once upon a time, I was incredibly focused and efficient. I would create to-do lists and accomplish nearly every task. Those were the wonderful days when I felt like a doer rather than merely a dreamer. However, as time passed, the fear of missing out (FOMO) kept me glued to my phone, often for hours. Waking up to notifications and the glow of my screen became routine, and I realized I was postponing projects and assignments, pushing everything onto a "later" list. Where had the determined person gone? It wasn't until I committed to setting my phone aside for a month that the truth hit me: I had become enslaved to my device.
Phones and their applications are crafted to be enticing, which hinders our ability to concentrate, engage in deep thinking, and maintain productivity. The task of putting my phone down was far from straightforward. The impulse to check it every few minutes was overwhelming. However, here’s how I managed to minimize my phone usage and refocus on my work.
Section 1.1: Reducing Distractions
One of my first steps was to disable as many push notifications as possible. I realized that the constant beeping of my phone intensified my desire to pick it up. Notifications about likes on my social media posts or updates from my favorite podcaster were particularly distracting. Therefore, I limited notifications to only essential apps like email, my prayer reminder app, and my calendar. With fewer beeps, my urge to check my phone significantly decreased.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Power of Distance
Research from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas analyzed nearly 800 smartphone users engaged in computerized tests requiring full attention. Participants who turned off their phones and placed them face down on their desks performed better than those who kept their devices within reach. From my experience, simply turning off notifications didn’t quite curb my urge to check my phone. So, I implemented a self-imposed schedule. I would say to myself, “I won’t touch my phone until I've worked uninterrupted for two hours” or “I’ll wait to check my phone until I’ve completed two tasks from my list.” To stick to this, I ensured my phone was in another room, far from my immediate access. This strategy proved effective. However, I soon realized that when I finally allowed myself to use my phone, I struggled to put it down and get back to my tasks. My designated "phone time" often extended beyond what I intended, leaving many tasks unfinished.
Section 1.2: Eliminating Time-Wasting Apps
In a decisive move, I deleted apps that consumed my time, including Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. With these distractions removed, my phone became less engaging and, in turn, more manageable. I was finally able to achieve most of my daily goals. While I would still check my phone occasionally, I primarily used it to stay connected with friends and family. I knew I could reinstall those apps whenever I felt prepared, but for now, I needed to regain control over my device instead of being controlled by it.
Chapter 2: The Benefits of a Phone Detox
Putting my phone aside unlocked a wealth of productivity. It also provided me with the opportunity to reflect on my life offline and prioritize genuine relationships over virtual ones. For the first time in a long while, I felt completely in charge of my life. I reclaimed my freedom, found the space to breathe, and had the resources to realign my life.
In this video, "I Turned My Phone Into A Productivity Machine & Beat My Phone Addiction," the creator shares strategies for transforming phone use into a tool for productivity while overcoming phone addiction.
The video "How I Declutter and Organize My Phone (Digital Minimalist Tips)" offers practical advice on decluttering your phone and adopting a minimalist approach to digital life.