Most of the time, we don't make rational decisions. We decide something based on how we feel, not how smart the choice is.
Not even knowing the co-creator of the iPhone, Tony Fadell, has said “I wake up in cold sweats every so often thinking, ‘What did we bring to the world’?” is enough for me to change my behavior.
But if I can change how I feel about something, I can make a different decision. I can do that by tapping into a "me" quality, competitiveness for example, or a personal truth. (Nothing earth-shattering here, you probably know the same about yourself. But I'm a process nerd. I like to learning how people make choices or plan their time. Maybe you do too.)
As I write this, Tuesday morning 8:45 am, it;'s 25ºF but it feels like 15. I’m upstairs in my office, with my daughter's fluffy blanket across my lap and fingerless gloves are on. Heat is blasting. My phone is in the living room. I don't want to get up, let alone go downstairs! But I'm also in a set writing block. I definitely don't want to break that (competitiveness) so I am not going near my phone.
But what about when the phone is nearby or with me?
Time limits on the apps cut off my engagement. I try to carry a book with me. Or write in a notebook. If I'm home, I reach for my knitting. My phone goes do not disturb at 8:30. These are small changes that are maddeningly also imperfect. I realized last night right before bed that I hadn't messaged one of my daughter's teachers. But each tweak is helping me go longer without reaching for my phone.
How long can you go away from your phone or....whatever popped into your mind that you need to take a break from?
I now turn off my phone around 9pm and don't turn it on until 11 or so the next morning. When I feel the urge to look at it, I read instead. I feel a thousand times better.
I also remember life with a phone on the wall. Life used to happen, whether we knew it or not. I like pretending it's still that time.
9-11 is a solid chunk of downtime, Julia! Even including sleep. Another reason (for me!) to scatter my books everywhere...little triggers to read. Thanks for weighing in here.
Very interesting question and actually one I think about often. I spent most of my life with a phone attached to the wall. We all got along fine. I think I used my time more wisely. I read, sewed, knitted, cooked. Now when I get bored I tend to scroll through my phone. To answer the question, I would like to think my willpower is strong enough to put it down and walk away! The question is for how long!
June, I always appreciate how you share something I'd never considered before! Yes, you dd live most of your life with a phone attached to a wall. And me too! Good reminder that we managed then and can do it now. Thanks for this perspective.
No shame, it's HARD! Our phone is so many things --our camera, a place to write notes, communicate with family/friends, a source for news, etc. I need to do better here too, Melissa. Thanks for chiming in here
I now turn off my phone around 9pm and don't turn it on until 11 or so the next morning. When I feel the urge to look at it, I read instead. I feel a thousand times better.
I also remember life with a phone on the wall. Life used to happen, whether we knew it or not. I like pretending it's still that time.
9-11 is a solid chunk of downtime, Julia! Even including sleep. Another reason (for me!) to scatter my books everywhere...little triggers to read. Thanks for weighing in here.
Very interesting question and actually one I think about often. I spent most of my life with a phone attached to the wall. We all got along fine. I think I used my time more wisely. I read, sewed, knitted, cooked. Now when I get bored I tend to scroll through my phone. To answer the question, I would like to think my willpower is strong enough to put it down and walk away! The question is for how long!
June, I always appreciate how you share something I'd never considered before! Yes, you dd live most of your life with a phone attached to a wall. And me too! Good reminder that we managed then and can do it now. Thanks for this perspective.
Sadly, I have a tough time not looking at my phone. I need to do better in this area!
No shame, it's HARD! Our phone is so many things --our camera, a place to write notes, communicate with family/friends, a source for news, etc. I need to do better here too, Melissa. Thanks for chiming in here