Business Book Club: Digital Minimalism
I've set myself a goal to blog about the books I read. I will extract wisdom from the best business and personal development books I've read and share it with you.
This time around, I’m reading “Digital Minimalism” by Cal Newport.
About the book
"Digital Minimalism" by Cal Newport is a guide to intentional technology use. In a world where our attention is constantly pulled by digital distractions, Newport's philosophy offers a timely solution. The book provides actionable steps to declutter your digital life, making it highly relevant for anyone looking to boost productivity and mental well-being.
What is Digital Minimalism?
Digital Minimalism is a philosophy that encourages a more thoughtful approach to technology, urging us to use digital tools in a way that genuinely adds value to our lives. It goes beyond the idea of simply "taking a break" from technology by promoting a long-term, sustainable relationship with our devices. The focus is on intentional use, meaning each interaction with technology should serve a specific, beneficial purpose. By adopting this mindset, you can transform your digital landscape into a space that enhances, rather than hinders, your productivity and well-being.
What did I learn?
Here are a few of the principles and key points from the book:
The 30-Day Digital Declutter
If you’ve ever looked at the digital wellbeing tools on your phone, you’ve probably been shocked to see how much time you’ve lost to distracting apps. It makes you wonder what you could have done with this time instead. The aim of the 30-day declutter is to help you find out. This period allows you to step back, evaluate your tech use, and reintroduce only those elements that serve you well. It's an opportunity to reclaim your time and focus. There are three parts to this:
Remove distracting technologies from your life for a month.
Use your newfound time to pursue “high-quality leisure time”.
Selectively reintroduce technologies into your life, but only ones that support something you deeply value.
I'll be honest. I didn't actually do the 30-day declutter. I feel like I have addressed my digital well-being before, and I am an active user of digital well-being features on my phone. However, it did prompt me to make good use of the focus mode on my phone (where all the apps are greyed out except the ones I really need), which is like doing the declutter but without physically removing the apps from my phone completely. I also use app timers to prevent me from losing precious time on social media. Possibly not in the spirit of things, but I feel it gets me to the same place. However, if you're struggling with this, it might be a good idea to go the whole hog and do the full 30-day declutter.
Optimisation is Key
Once you reintroduce your apps, the important thing is to make sure you consciously decide which apps to return to your phone and how you want to use them. It's not just about your phone either; the same applies to other applications we use online as well. What is really important to you in terms of how you use your time, and how might the technology in your life help you get there? Optimising your digital tools can make a world of difference. It's not just about having the latest apps but using them in a way that genuinely enhances your life. By setting up your digital environment thoughtfully, you can streamline tasks and focus on what truly matters.
The Role of Solitude
Digital Minimalism encourages finding pockets of solitude, even in a busy life, to reflect and recharge. These moments can be transformative for your overall well-being. Cal Newport makes the case that solitude is increasingly rare in our connected world, yet it's essential for mental health and creativity. I felt the importance of solitude was overstated in the book, but perhaps that could be because I'm already bought into the idea. I do think there's something in this idea though; people seem unable to just be on their own without some form of distraction or to be bored. People in waiting rooms or shared spaces seem to need to stare at their phone to overcome the awkwardness. It doesn't do any harm just to sit and stare out of a window and reflect, and that is something I think young people, in particular, would find useful to value and learn.
Reclaim Leisure
"Digital Minimalism" champions the reclaiming of high-quality leisure by encouraging us to disconnect from the digital world and engage in fulfilling off-screen activities. It's all very well removing social media and digital distractions from our lives, but you won't be successful in minimising digital distractions unless you have a clear idea of what you want to replace them within the time you gain back. Cal Newport emphasises the richness of 'real-world' hobbies and interactions that contribute to personal growth and happiness. The book guides us to replace aimless screen time with pursuits that require skill and presence, such as crafting, reading, or socialising in person.
What did I think of the book?
I didn't enjoy this as much as I thought I would. I don't know if it's because I am a Generation X and I'm comfortable without technology as well as with it. I really expected to be more won over and engrossed by the book than I was. There are lots of really useful tips in here, especially around things like not being driven by an app's algorithm and understanding how applications and websites are designed to capture attention, but I wasn't really won over by the idea of digital minimalism itself. However, if you're really wondering how to curb excessive phone usage and destructive digital habits, you'll find some really fantastic information in this book. But even if you're not too worried about your relationship with tech, it doesn't do any of us any harm to reflect on our technology usage.
What about you?
Could a digital declutter enhance your life? Or maybe you've found your own ways to balance the digital and real worlds. Drop your insights and experiences in the comments below.
