Unseen costs. Deficient conscientiousness.
This is how I view the rise of the digital landscape.
Text. Email. Social. Podcast. Blog. Online Dating. Youtube. GPS. Google.
I’m not demonizing the mediums (except maybe texting ; )). Rather, I’m noting the permeation of them into our lives.
A tool producing value also will also produce costs.
It’s our jobs to be conscious of the costs.
Doing so can cultivate a healthier, flowing, and meaningfully rich life.
We can use tools, not let tools use us.
“The cost of a thing is the amount of what I will call life which is required to be exchanged for it, immediately or in the long run.”
–Thoreau
Cal Newport’s thesis is akin to mine. Below are my takeaways from his new book. I’m saving my (limited) criticisms.
Learn from the Amish
The Amish aren’t anti-technology. They are pro intentional living. The reject phones because it stops people from going outside to see each other in person. Yet other technologies they do adopt.
If you are considering a new technology in the digital world, (which likely will increase convenience), again, weigh the costs.
Do you value rich conversation? How will social media interfere with getting that need met?
30 Day Declutter
Take 30 days and remove optional technologies from your life. You need to do the heavy lifting of choosing which technologies are truly un-optional.
i.e. You delete podcasts, social media, and Netflix, but keep Facebook Messenger for professional communication
The purpose is not to be an ascetic, but rather increase your consciousness. After the 30 days, you can be very intentinoal about bringing the digital world back in.
The first week will be hard. That is why it is equally important to make a game plan for high-quality leisure.
High quality leisure is effortful. Build a headboard for your bed. Join/start a book club. Take dance lessons. Start a poker night with friends.
Consolidate Texting
I love this tip. Create 2-3 “text message sessions” planned throughout your day. Then don’t check otherwise. Similar hack to email checking.
Office Hours
Another great tip. Set a time each day or week (i.e. 5:30 PM while driving in traffic) that you are always available to take phone calls. You can tell your friends/contacts that you are always available during this window and can call as desired.
This is a great way to navigate the paradox that with increased access to each other (messaging someone for free across the planet is quite the new phenomenon), we are actually less available to each other.
Love Solitude
Honestly, I’m concerned that the smartphone is interfering with people’s ability to self-reflect, name their emotions, and think critically. Yes, it’s brilliant, the information access. Absolutely. But the concern is the reflexive dependence on the device.
Silence and solitude help process thoughts, events, and emotions. Idleness and doing nothing are very beneficial in recharging and developing a relationships with yourself.
Leave the phone at home. Take a walk. Go eat sushi.
Leave the phone at home.
