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by Brajeshwar 340 days ago
I’ve been doing this for a while, and I love it. On my regular walks, I don’t even carry the phone; the watch[1] is enough for the list of whitelisted people to call me if needed (all else are DND by default).

Another thing I’ve noticed about people, even when we’re talking in person. Whenever a topic arises that requires confirmation or something similar, they pull out their phone and start “googling.”

I’m OK with saying, “I don’t know.” I’ve stopped defending my opinions and let the conversation flow, and I listen. This is very liberating.

Of course, stopped non-critical notifications[2] a decade ago, and there are no social Apps on my phone.[3] I’m lucky to be able to stop a habit cold turkey. Of course, a little help from a blocker is beneficial at the beginning, but I can quickly get used to not using/visiting apps and websites.

I’ve forgotten who said it but here is how it goes, “Build up a network of people, tools, utilities, system to stay away from Algorithm.”

1. https://brajeshwar.com/2024/watch-tiny-handy-computer/

2. https://brajeshwar.com/2014/missing-step-productivity-activi...

3. https://brajeshwar.com/2024/phone/

2 comments

> Another thing I’ve noticed about people, even when we’re talking in person. Whenever a topic arises that requires confirmation or something similar, they pull out their phone and start “googling.”

Oh yes this is a good one! I've been doing it for years. I've managed to sensitize a few people about it enough to change habits.

The biggest quality-of-life difference is turning off the notifications. Turn em all off by using DoNotDisturb mode 24/7. No notifications ever. Send calls to voicemail, check messages and E-mails on your own schedule, not when other people interrupt you, and use apps purposefully when you want to, not when the apps want you. I've been living this way for at least 10 years now and it's wonderful. Those calls and texts you used to think were urgent really aren't.