Reflecting on the past 40 days of Digital Detox

So, how's it going? (asked no one, ever...)

What I did:

• -removed all social media apps (except BeReal) from my phone
• -removed email apps (except Gmail, which I couldn't delete because I switched back to an android)
• -only posted on social media on the weekends
• -only viewed social media for 5 mins in the morning and 5 mins at night (no posting)
• -downloaded the Opal app for my other devices (iPad, laptop)
• -started using a lightphone 2 part-time, and a Kindle for reading
• -used a gift card to buy a paper planner

What I noticed:

• -my focus at work is noticeably better, but still not great
• -my mood has improved
• -I fall asleep faster, but my sleep is still restless
• -my mornings are less stressful as a result of not having to react to/reply to social comments/posts
• -I'm getting a little more done
• -when I do post, the posts are more mindful and better quality because I have to wait to upload them
• -I have less FOMO than I thought I would
• -I don't miss it as much as I thought I would

One very helpful practice is having "accountability buddies" : I belong to a very small group chat with two other people, and we check in with each other on Sundays to share how we've succeeded with (or struggled with) meeting our personal/creative/business goals. Having witnessed the success of accountability buddies in the fitness world, I knew this would be a game changer. It's one thing to lie to yourself, but for me, it would be hard to go back to my group on Sundays and tell them I let them down. Even if I did, they'd be ok, and give me lots of support and encouragement (because that's how we are), but a little bit of competition never hurt anyone.

Challenge: don't let the group itself be a distraction: only engage on Sundays, and don't engage instead of pursuing our goals.

I still have lapses on the weekends where I catch myself scrolling, but as soon as I do, I log off. I've made great progress with updating my newsletter and have been able to come up with more ideas for posts.

I've noticed consistently for a long time that I always get an idea for a post when I'm away from my digital devices: the old "getting your best ideas in the shower" syndrome. That, in and of itself, explains a lot; and it gives me more motivation to stay away from screens.

Next level:

• -stop hitting "like"
• -build my newsletter audience
• -resist the urge to post/reply/comment right away; stick to my schedule!
• -seek out guidance from others who have done similar detoxes, but don't let the process of doing "research" (scrolling through articles/videos) get distracting
• try to resist the urge to act as an unsolicited "coach" to people who say things like "I have to be on social media to build my business" (spoiler alert: you don't have to be on it that much, but if they want advice from me they can ask)

What are your digital goals?