NOtifications

I turned off all notifications on my phone.

A position of privilege perhaps. But also, something I’ve willshaped. The world puts up roadblocks, doesn’t make it easy. Determination and a little chutzpah required.

I don’t get immediately notified of messages, emails, sales, events, or anything else. Not a ping, not a red dot, not a single bubble in Notification Centre. It can all be turned off in Settings.

The reality is, very few things in life need my immediate attention. If I’m planning my day responsibly, and able to hold in my mind a short to-do list, I really don’t need the reminder.

I still use technology, in many places, in a variety of ways (not least for collaboration), but my synchronous, attenzione subito is simply not required.

In just a week, I’ve noticed huge gains in my short term working memory and recall. Those tip-of-the-tongue moments still happen, but they’re resolved more frequently and with increasing fluency. I’m much better now at creating a mental plan and checking it off over the course of the day. No more wandering into the kitchen and wondering why I was even there in the first place. Less sleep-walking through the day.

When my laptop opens, I'm ready to work, chat, respond.

The rest of the time, my phone leaves me be.