Ha, so been there too! These days, my phone is always on Do not disturb and I don't reply to emails on weekends, big chunks of time blocked off my calendar so my day can't be booked to the brim. As you say, interesting how quickly people adjust 😛
That used to be 100% me pre-covid. When the world stopped and the phone notifications disappeared, so did my sense of self-worth. If no one was emailing or calling me, was I still bringing value to the world?? Of course, that was my ego talking. But I’m grateful for it, because now I’m savage with my phone, who gets access, how they get access, and I’m so much happier for it!! Great piece Justin!
I turned off iPhone notifications years ago. At work my chat status is always away or unavailable. I uninstall instagram and x on my phone and re-install it only when I want to catch up. Email is only enabled to view 1 hour a day. I am just as successful as I was before and more focused.
I'm trying to become more unavailable - although it takes time to change the habit of constantly checking the phone. I think it links back to the idea of being busy = being productive
a question - did you tell your friends, family, work network that you were planning on becoming more unavailable?
I love this so much. It inspired me to add a disclaimer at the bottom of my email signature:
"Please note that I check my emails once per day. If your matter is time sensitive, please call me."
Agreed. Constant availability doesn't make you more responsible. It massively dilutes your attention and energy that would otherwise be channeled into activities that truly move the needle.
I've previously felt so much guilt for not being 'on top' of my emails, calls, etc. Perhaps a lot of it is an anxiety around waiting for the other shoe to drop, so to speak. But people do respect your energy and time even more when you are selectively, strategically available. I appreciate the reminder.
Totally agree. My pride at having an 11 min screen time day was such an achievement. I have days where I turn it all off; email, teams, music, etc and I work on just. one. thing. Always end the day more satisfied.
I turned most social media notifications off 8 years ago and haven't looked back. I can't even imagine having them all switched on. That would be a nightmare!
You idiot, you think you can fool us that easily. We know this is a spam account. I have reported you. Do some work a** ho*e and earn your sh*t. Nonsense.
Ha, so been there too! These days, my phone is always on Do not disturb and I don't reply to emails on weekends, big chunks of time blocked off my calendar so my day can't be booked to the brim. As you say, interesting how quickly people adjust 😛
Right? We teach them!
That used to be 100% me pre-covid. When the world stopped and the phone notifications disappeared, so did my sense of self-worth. If no one was emailing or calling me, was I still bringing value to the world?? Of course, that was my ego talking. But I’m grateful for it, because now I’m savage with my phone, who gets access, how they get access, and I’m so much happier for it!! Great piece Justin!
Thank you, Noemie! Always an opposite side to each coin, I guess, huh?
Ha yes!! Rough, but totally worth it
I read these posts in a "connect the dots" context to simplify and walk with, although the stories that articulate them are just as important.
Todays dots:
"I'd stop being present"
"the least generous thing you can do for.... yourself" - (minor edit of selfishness)
"Real living comes from being fully present when it matters"
Like.... right now!
Thanks for writing another piece of the puzzle here Justin
Thanks for reading it, Jon. I always appreciate it.
I turned off iPhone notifications years ago. At work my chat status is always away or unavailable. I uninstall instagram and x on my phone and re-install it only when I want to catch up. Email is only enabled to view 1 hour a day. I am just as successful as I was before and more focused.
I do so many of these, too. It's the best way to finally focus.
Justin - It's like you hacked my "deepest secrets and regret subconscious vault"! I can sooo relate.
Haha. Thanks, James. Appreciate you reading.
I'm trying to become more unavailable - although it takes time to change the habit of constantly checking the phone. I think it links back to the idea of being busy = being productive
a question - did you tell your friends, family, work network that you were planning on becoming more unavailable?
Nope. I don't feel like I owe an explanation of how I'm going to spend my time. Over time, you just become a guy who takes a while to respond.
Being always available for the others means not being available for yourself (or family)
I love this so much. It inspired me to add a disclaimer at the bottom of my email signature:
"Please note that I check my emails once per day. If your matter is time sensitive, please call me."
Agreed. Constant availability doesn't make you more responsible. It massively dilutes your attention and energy that would otherwise be channeled into activities that truly move the needle.
I've previously felt so much guilt for not being 'on top' of my emails, calls, etc. Perhaps a lot of it is an anxiety around waiting for the other shoe to drop, so to speak. But people do respect your energy and time even more when you are selectively, strategically available. I appreciate the reminder.
Totally agree. My pride at having an 11 min screen time day was such an achievement. I have days where I turn it all off; email, teams, music, etc and I work on just. one. thing. Always end the day more satisfied.
I avoid the social media notification circus and am clawing back time for creating, communing, and connecting in real life.
Without being always available, you find out how little is really urgent.
And how precious our time is for growing joy.
I turned most social media notifications off 8 years ago and haven't looked back. I can't even imagine having them all switched on. That would be a nightmare!
Yeah same, Zuby. Honestly the only notifications I have left are phone calls. I don't want my phone using me - I want to use it.
Another banger! Love it, Justin!
I've been a huge advocate for DND, using minimal apps, and setting time limits in general for overall device usage.
Another hack that's worked well for me is separating my use of phone vs. laptop to primarily social vs. work purposes.
The compounding affect for my productivity and positive outcomes has been monumental.
the opal app is an absolute game changer for blocking apps for extended periods of time. so is removing any and all notifications on your device.
Why not remove E-Mail from the phone completely and only check mail on the PC / Laptop?
Very good to see others have the same things going on. Already deleted all social media on my phone a while ago.
That's the key...giving complete attention to one thing at a time.
You idiot, you think you can fool us that easily. We know this is a spam account. I have reported you. Do some work a** ho*e and earn your sh*t. Nonsense.
💯 I literally started my 24h dnd a couple days ago and it has been the best thing I’ve done for myself in a very long time!