# Simplifying My Digital Life: A Journey Towards Minimalism
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Chapter 1: The Decision to Declutter
In today's fast-paced world, it’s incredibly easy to download yet another application and become absorbed in it. However, breaking free from this cycle can be quite challenging.
To maintain focus, I realized the importance of retaining only the essential apps while eliminating the rest.
A small note of gratitude goes to Heikki Hellgren, a fellow Medium writer, who inspired this endeavor. This post is the beginning of a series that will unfold over the course of August 2024, and possibly beyond.
Since my professional responsibilities do not require constant engagement on social media, I thought this was an excellent opportunity to reassess my digital habits. To illustrate my situation, I am currently active on various platforms, including Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Instagram, Telegram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Reddit. These applications consume a significant amount of my time, diverting my attention from meaningful activities like improving my home, spending time with family, or simply enjoying life.
Therefore, I have drawn a clear boundary: only the essential apps will remain on my phone. Communication with my family is crucial, so I will keep Telegram and Messenger for that purpose, while removing all other platforms.
To further free up my time, I’ll also uninstall distracting games that I often resort to when bored. Instead of aimlessly scrolling through social media or playing games, I plan to use that time to reflect on whether these applications should re-enter my daily routine.
This initiative will commence on August 1, 2024, and wrap up by September 1, 2024.
Video Title: DEEP 2024 DIGITAL DECLUTTER | Refresh & Organize Your Phone & Laptop
This video offers valuable insights into decluttering your digital space, providing techniques to refresh your devices and organize your digital life effectively.
Chapter 2: Understanding Cognitive Overload
The thought of undertaking a social media detox had been lingering in my mind for a while. I wanted to uncover what exactly was causing my distractions.
I quickly realized that notifications from Gmail, Yahoo Finance, various recipe apps, and countless others were frequently drawing my attention away from what truly matters. These notifications did not enrich my life; instead, they shattered my focus. A change was necessary.
Section 2.1: Taking Action – The Deletion Process
On the morning of July 28, as I sipped my first cup of coffee, I began to delete apps. After 24 hours, several applications were already removed from my life.
Why did I take such a drastic approach? I felt it was better to eliminate the most time-consuming and distracting apps right away, rather than easing into the process. By August 1st, my aim was to have fewer distractions to contend with.
I also informed my friends and family about this decision to manage their expectations regarding my social media presence. It’s crucial to communicate that you will be less active on these platforms to avoid misunderstandings.
Section 2.2: Managing Expectations
If you're used to being active on social media or promptly responding to emails, it's essential to communicate your new boundaries.
Understand that while some work-related notifications and family group chats are necessary, not all notifications deserve your attention. For instance, a distant relative's game invitation should not be a priority.
You know what notifications are truly important to you, so use that awareness wisely. Make a list of the notifications you receive daily, unsubscribe from unnecessary newsletters, and delete irrelevant apps.
Video Title: How To DECLUTTER Your DIGITAL LIFE 🖥️ | 25 Steps To Organize Your Laptop, Phone & Hard Drives
This video outlines practical steps to declutter your digital life, guiding you through organizing your devices and streamlining your digital interactions.
Section 2.3: The Importance of Putting Down Your Phone
If you found this content helpful and would like to support my journey, feel free to buy me a coffee!
In conclusion, simplifying my digital life has become essential for reclaiming my time and focus. By consciously selecting which apps to keep and managing notifications, I can cultivate a more meaningful and fulfilling daily experience.