This makes sense. If you create friction it’s harder to complete that sequence and with us inherently wanting things to be as easy as possible, keeping your phone out of reach could be a smart move 👀
I can stay away from my phone all day when I’m with my boyfriend or my family, but when I’m alone that’s the problem, well I live by myself so it gets tricky, anyone else has this problem?
This article really hits home for me. I've always been a bit of a productivity junkie, constantly trying to optimize my time and get more done. But I've noticed that even when I'm not actively using my phone, it still seems to be draining my mental energy. It's like having a little productivity vampire lurking in my pocket! I'm definitely going to try the 'separation' strategy and see if it helps me reclaim some of that lost focus.
Great post! The proof of your point is how difficult it is even to force oneself to leave the phone somewhere far, as you suggest. We might want to persuade ourselves that it’s pointless simply because it’s really hard to do
I notice this a lot, the urge to check is much higher when my phone is in reach or in my sight-line. The most relaxing holidays I’ve ever had have been where there’s no mobile signal or WiFi!
I have grayscale, app timers and so many things activated. I need to try leaving the phone in another room. It's insane how much energy those small devices consume from us.
Yes, I’ve found that if I lock my phone away in another room it’s much better for my focus.
I’ve deleted most apps off my phone, and my screen time has come down a lot. Still, I wonder how life would be if I barely used my phone… that would be a good experiment
I was finding it more and more stressful to continually see notifications. It became a distraction and I decided that if I want to check in with substack etc. on my own schedule, I’d have to turn them off. Also I’ve got a smart watch and it kept beeping!
Man, such a hit on a nail. I loved spotify, but I think I can try locking my phone into a compartment of my work bag. Bluetooth signal still can penetrate. Then, not only can I do stuff that needs to be done (read lame stuff) and also listen to amazing music. Thanks for sharing! Love the graphs with error bars. It stimulates the inner statistician in me.
Very good article - I read this a while back and have consciously eliminated the presence of my phone whenever I am engaging in deep work. There's nothing like an unencumbered flow state. After a while you start to realise how silly your thoughts can be while you're working. "Oh maybe I should check TikTok to see what XYZ is doing". Complete and utter brain drain. Well said.
Cal Newport recently mentioned a great method to help with this on his podcast.
He called it the phone foyer method. Keep your phone plugged in at one point in the house. This way when you need to work,the phone is away for from you. Plus it helps to reduce using your phone every time you're slightly bored.
Interesting approach. It's remarkable how dependent we've become on something to the point where we need to develop methods and shortcuts just to reduce that dependency.
It’s true.
I brought my phone with me into the office this morning. Not getting much done other than commenting on stuff.
Recently I started leaving my phone on the nightstand when I wake up and walk down the hall to the office.
What a night and day difference when I leave it behind!
I’ve caught myself reaching for it when it’s not with me in the office.
I work for hours on other stuff when I leave it behind.
So yes, just having it nearby is a major distraction.
Hence, my comment here now.
My experience too. I’m good at putting my phone aside in the evening, but not when I’m trying to work.
This makes sense. If you create friction it’s harder to complete that sequence and with us inherently wanting things to be as easy as possible, keeping your phone out of reach could be a smart move 👀
Let’s do it then 😎
I can stay away from my phone all day when I’m with my boyfriend or my family, but when I’m alone that’s the problem, well I live by myself so it gets tricky, anyone else has this problem?
It is a lonely battle indeed.
🙂
This article really hits home for me. I've always been a bit of a productivity junkie, constantly trying to optimize my time and get more done. But I've noticed that even when I'm not actively using my phone, it still seems to be draining my mental energy. It's like having a little productivity vampire lurking in my pocket! I'm definitely going to try the 'separation' strategy and see if it helps me reclaim some of that lost focus.
It does drain our mental energy.
Love your definition of "productivity vampire".
I probably knew this was the case, but seeing the data to back it up really makes a difference. Great post!
Thank you Jack!
Great post! The proof of your point is how difficult it is even to force oneself to leave the phone somewhere far, as you suggest. We might want to persuade ourselves that it’s pointless simply because it’s really hard to do
It is hard indeed, because we are so connected, and if we separate from it, it feels like we’re separating from a piece of ourselves
I notice this a lot, the urge to check is much higher when my phone is in reach or in my sight-line. The most relaxing holidays I’ve ever had have been where there’s no mobile signal or WiFi!
Now you have science to confirm it 😄
I have grayscale, app timers and so many things activated. I need to try leaving the phone in another room. It's insane how much energy those small devices consume from us.
Absolutely, and we are just at the beginning of understanding the true effects of this.
Yes, I’ve found that if I lock my phone away in another room it’s much better for my focus.
I’ve deleted most apps off my phone, and my screen time has come down a lot. Still, I wonder how life would be if I barely used my phone… that would be a good experiment
👏🏼 well done Stefano!
Today I turned off all my notifications because if I see one, I have to check it.
Well done, Wendy!
Why today? Did something happened that made you decide today was the day?
I was finding it more and more stressful to continually see notifications. It became a distraction and I decided that if I want to check in with substack etc. on my own schedule, I’d have to turn them off. Also I’ve got a smart watch and it kept beeping!
How do you feel now?
Much better. Not so distracted.
Man, such a hit on a nail. I loved spotify, but I think I can try locking my phone into a compartment of my work bag. Bluetooth signal still can penetrate. Then, not only can I do stuff that needs to be done (read lame stuff) and also listen to amazing music. Thanks for sharing! Love the graphs with error bars. It stimulates the inner statistician in me.
Very good article - I read this a while back and have consciously eliminated the presence of my phone whenever I am engaging in deep work. There's nothing like an unencumbered flow state. After a while you start to realise how silly your thoughts can be while you're working. "Oh maybe I should check TikTok to see what XYZ is doing". Complete and utter brain drain. Well said.
Thanks Kavi!
The era of fixed telephone must come back
This is important. Thank you 🙏
Cal Newport recently mentioned a great method to help with this on his podcast.
He called it the phone foyer method. Keep your phone plugged in at one point in the house. This way when you need to work,the phone is away for from you. Plus it helps to reduce using your phone every time you're slightly bored.
Interesting approach. It's remarkable how dependent we've become on something to the point where we need to develop methods and shortcuts just to reduce that dependency.
I've definitely noticed this.
Whenever I put my phone away from me, I'm able to focus better on my work.
Yes, same here!