Have you ever finished a book and thought, “there’s no way that will work for me?” That was me after listening to Cal Newport’s “Digital Minimalism.” Here I was, practically attached to my phone, and Newport was suggesting a life less reliant on it. But as I dug deeper, a seed of doubt sprouted. What if he was right? What if I could function without constant digital stimulation?
Being an 80s kid, I still remember a time before smartphones. We are the last generation to experience life pre and post the modern cell phone innovation. This realisation sparked a crucial question: how much value are my current apps bringing to my life?
My social media lineup included Instagram, X, Threads, and LinkedIn. Communication primarily happened through WhatsApp, where most group chats are already muted for notifications.
Just like Newport warns, these apps are designed and engineered to be addictive once you open them and start browsing. Before I knew it, an hour could disappear down a rabbit hole of Instagram Reels. The “what’s next?” mentality kept me glued, wasting precious time I could be using for something more fulfilling.
Following Newport’s advice, I evaluated all my social media needs. While I rarely posted on Instagram, I did enjoy keeping up with my friends. X and Threads, however, were primarily news sources. So, I took the plunge and deleted them both, opting for a news aggregator app like Google News instead.
Instagram, with its potential for mindless scrolling, got a demotion. I moved it to a secondary phone, one I don’t carry with me all the time. LinkedIn remained, but with a quick, limited check once every few days.
The final hurdle: WhatsApp. In India, it’s the communication lifeline for both personal and professional needs. Here, my focus was on urgency. Truly urgent messages, requiring my immediate action, would likely come through a call. Everything else could wait. With this mindset, I silenced all WhatsApp notifications.
This shift has been transformative. No more constant notification pings! Now, when I need to focus (like writing this blog post!), I can do so without interruptions. I’m also in control of when I check messages – a quick scan of one-on-one chats and important groups is all I need. The rest can wait.
Digital minimalism has demonstrably changed my behavior. I’m no longer a slave to my phone’s every notification. This newfound focus and control are leading me to a more flourishing life, and that’s definitely something worth celebrating.
Ready to join the movement? Share your digital minimalism tips in the comments below!
APWrites 
Leave a comment