Everyone has a smartphone these days. It is the most commonly used device that everyone has with them. It is now becoming a spectacular camera, media content creator, and writing device. In fact, I am writing this article on my iPhone XS Max via Ulysses. Slowly, these devices have slowly infiltrated every aspect of our lives and now we can’t live without them. We are bombarded by text messages, e-mails, and notifications that distract us from truly focusing on the task at hand. Is there a way that we can regain focus and control on our devices these days? There actually is! Hopefully, these tips will help you in that endeavor.
Remove any additional apps that you don’t use
Based on a study by comScore, U.S smartphone owners only use about three apps frequently, accounting for 80% of total app time. There are so many apps that we do not use on our phones that are hidden in a folder of some kind. Take inventory of the apps on your device. There may be some apps that you haven’t used in months that provide no value to you. You can always download them again later.
Turn off notifications
This is a big one. The phone notifications cause us major interruptions in our work and productivity. In fact, studies have shown that notifications reduce work productivity by 40%. When we do work, distractions are costly. The buzz of a cell phone, even if it is subtle, is able to derail an awesome writing session. Turning on the Do Not Disturb function on the phone is the best way to focus for a timeframe. In fact as I am writing this, three notifications popped up on my phone, and I lost my train of thought. Literally.
Restoring Balance
The boundaries of technology and real life have been blurred quite a bit. The advancement in technology is great. It has allowed us great opportunities to share, connect, and create; but at a cost, if not put in perspective and balance.
Learning about gadgets are a big deal to me. It wasn’t until I shattered the screen on my phone that I realized how much our smartphones dominate our lives. The Apple Store told me that they couldn’t get me a replacement phone and had no ETA. Anxiety set in and I did everything that I could to get the phone fixed. I even went to another Apple Store which assisted me and provided me the necessary information to get the phone fixed. After running around to fix the device, I determined that my workflow, notifications, and time on my phone needed to be adjusted and my focus needed to be restored.
Even though this may seem like a very simple idea and concept, managing our lives away from the phone is important at times. So please, put your phone away after reading this article, and live life for a moment distraction free. It might be something that you can get used to again.
