I realized after seeing my “weekly screen time report”, that I was spending way too much time scrolling aimlessly when really, I wanted to be learning a language and/or reading more. So, like a child, I made a rule that I had to do my Duolingo before I ever open Insta (and moved Insta to my last page of my phone so I have to be pretty deliberate to get there). For the most part it has worked - an adult sticker chart! But I am doing more of what I actually want and reducing the time-suck of social media.
I’ve been pretty good with not scrolling social media in recent years. About 8 years ago, I made the decision to not watch or scroll news and now just subscribe to a daily curated news digest that seems unbiased and calm in its reporting. And I joined Substack to read your newsletters and those of Laura Fenton because I was already on email lists. I do love being in Substack and even have been inspired to start my own blog here.
But a couple of weeks ago, I set up my Substack preferences to include political notes and what a time suck that has proven to be, especially now that I’m fully self-employed and can have leisurely mornings instead of rushing off super early to teach high school!! So thanks for the reminder to reset my feed on here and set a timer for myself to go create content for my business instead of doomscrolling in here 🙂.
By the way, I am so excited to receive my preordered copy of Life Styled soon and be part of your book launch community 🎉🥳.
Love your suggestions!
I realized after seeing my “weekly screen time report”, that I was spending way too much time scrolling aimlessly when really, I wanted to be learning a language and/or reading more. So, like a child, I made a rule that I had to do my Duolingo before I ever open Insta (and moved Insta to my last page of my phone so I have to be pretty deliberate to get there). For the most part it has worked - an adult sticker chart! But I am doing more of what I actually want and reducing the time-suck of social media.
Ooh I love this idea so much! May have to try!
I’ve been pretty good with not scrolling social media in recent years. About 8 years ago, I made the decision to not watch or scroll news and now just subscribe to a daily curated news digest that seems unbiased and calm in its reporting. And I joined Substack to read your newsletters and those of Laura Fenton because I was already on email lists. I do love being in Substack and even have been inspired to start my own blog here.
But a couple of weeks ago, I set up my Substack preferences to include political notes and what a time suck that has proven to be, especially now that I’m fully self-employed and can have leisurely mornings instead of rushing off super early to teach high school!! So thanks for the reminder to reset my feed on here and set a timer for myself to go create content for my business instead of doomscrolling in here 🙂.
By the way, I am so excited to receive my preordered copy of Life Styled soon and be part of your book launch community 🎉🥳.
Ooh brilliant idea to get a single curated news digest - happy resetting your feed and so glad you're part of the launch community! x
Great post and I love these tips. You might like to check out my series: "The Digital Paradox: Why We Hate Our Devices But Can't Live Without Them"
https://paultshattuck.substack.com/p/the-digital-paradox-why-we-hate-our