Less Phone. More Focus

"Daniel Explains: A year ago, I read Cal Newport's Deep Work. It led me to rethink time management and reassess the distractions affecting my focus. Like most people, my smartphone makes daily life easier-I text, get directions, send memes, and answer emails. In return for that convenience, my device quietly siphons away hours of free time. Since I first got an iPhone, I've found more and more of my time sliding toward social media and other escapist apps. Millions of others face similar challenges."

"We sleep with our phones. 😴 📱 We're tied to these devices for work, at home-even on vacation. 🏖️🤳 43% of Americans feel addicted I was intrigued when writer Daniel Parris offered to share tips and tools he relies on to weaken the distracting pull of his phone. Daniel is a data scientist and data journalist who writes Stat Significant, a weekly newsletter with more than 23,000 readers. It's a lively read, with data-centric essays about movies, music, TV, and more."

Smartphones provide convenience but also siphon hours through social media and escapist apps, contributing to widespread distraction and self-reported addiction. Daniel Parris, a data scientist and data journalist, applied lessons from Cal Newport's Deep Work to rethink time management and reduce phone-driven interruptions. Through trial and error he assembled a curated toolkit and minimalist strategies to curb aimless tech use while retaining useful features. One tactic replaces cluttered home screens with simplified launchers to limit impulsive scrolling. These approaches do not aim for perfection but establish practical foundations for restoring focus, managing time, and sharpening productivity.

Read at Fast Company