All credit goes to Cal Newport and his excellent book “Digital Minimalism”.
I had gotten myself into the habit of waking up at 5AM but now I faced a new problem. Every morning, I would turn off my alarm and immediately begin scrolling on TikTok (thanks ADHD). What was worse is that I was seeing a radical increase in my social media usage due to finding a group of fellow TikTokers to yap with on TikTok live.
This is the double edged sword of TikTok. It was a great resource for networking without being restricted by distance, but it was also immensely addicting even by social media standards. Which is how I ended up reading “Digital Minimalism” by Cal Newport.
I was already a fan of minimalism and minimizing social media usage but I was curious about Newport’s take on account of him being a Computer Science professor and being a general fan of his books. I was rewarded with a highly effective “Digital Declutter” exercise that I ended up modifying based on my own personal experience.
In the fast-paced digital world, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the constant barrage of information and technology. Cal Newport’s “Digital Minimalism” offers a structured approach to regain control of our digital lives. This exercise, inspired by Newport’s book, is designed to help you declutter your digital space, refocus your attention on meaningful activities, and ultimately lead a more intentional life.
Getting Started –A Digital Detox
Begin with a five-day detox from excessive information, avoiding most digital content. Simultaneously, Identify which technologies are optional and can be paused for 30 days without significantly impacting your life. Write down a list of these technologies and any rules for minimal use, if necessary.
I recommend you do this before your 30 day break, but using the first week to do this works too.
Thirty-Day Break –Reducing And Preventing Information Overload
Commit to a month-long break from the identified technologies. During this time, engage actively in high-quality activities that bring satisfaction and meaning, replacing the time usually spent on technology.
Choose News Sources And Who You Follow Wisely: Be selective about news sources to minimize stress and anxiety.
Set Online Time Limits and Reintroduce Technology Thoughtfully: Allocate specific times for online activities. After the break, reintroduce technologies judiciously, ensuring they align with your values and contribute positively to your life.
Prioritize Demanding Activity Over Passive Consumption: Instead of scrolling through social media, engage in challenging activities like learning a new language or a musical instrument. This active engagement is more fulfilling than passive browsing.
Use Skills to Produce Valuable Things in the Physical World: Try hands-on activities like woodworking, gardening, or cooking. Creating something tangible can be deeply satisfying and takes your focus off overwhelming digital choices.
Seek Activities That Require Real-world, Structured Social Interactions: Participate in group sports, book clubs, or volunteer work. These activities provide structured, meaningful social interactions, contrasting the often superficial connections online.
Learn and Apply New Skills Weekly: Challenge yourself to acquire a new skill each week, such as photography, baking, or coding. This not only diversifies your skillset but also keeps your mind actively engaged and away from decision fatigue caused by digital overload.
Reintroduce Technology Mindfully: After the 30-day break, reintroduce technologies that align with your values and have a defined purpose in your life.
The initial five-day detox and the subsequent thirty-day break from non-essential technologies will pave the way for you to live a more intentional digital life.
By prioritizing activities that add genuine value and satisfaction, I’ve managed to break free from the addictive cycle of passive digital consumption. The journey has led to a newfound appreciation for real-world interactions and activities that foster personal growth and creativity. Implementing these changes has not only reduced digital overload but also enhanced overall well-being and focus, providing a blueprint for a balanced digital life in our increasingly connected world.
