Ghost ‘em
Less is more when everyone has everything at the tip of their fingers. Folks are starting to reject the bloatware ridden smart phone in service to deep work. High end minimalist dumb phones are the new flex.
“No, I don’t do social media. But you can call or text me.”
It wasn’t long ago when somebody laughed in my face at not being available on instant messaging. The joke was on them, however, because apparently I ghosted them.
For most people, overwhelmed and anxious by today’s expectations to always be on, uninstalling the apps that make them miserable just doesn’t seem to be an option.
But you too can be freed of the unnecessary interruptions by simply making yourself less reachable, and more present.
And you don’t need an excuse to do it. What it really comes down to is setting boundaries. Nobody said you had to be in the group chat. And while it seems socially acceptable to be at everybody’s beck and call you still possess the ability to opt out.
So what does opting out look like?
A simple announcement of your departure from social media won’t do the trick. You’ve got to ghost those people if you ever really want to get away.
Ask yourself this: when was the last time you beat to your own drum? What are you putting off in service to the trauma dumping that annoying acquaintance that won’t get the hint is forcing upon you?
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You’re wasting precious time. And its all because you can’t say no.
We go to birthday parties we don’t want to, get-togethers that are unnecessary, and give people the courtesy they don’t give us. Sound familiar?
You need to do something for you, and before it’s too late. It may sound selfish, but who’s there for you when the chips are down?
Carefully select the handful of people that do care about you, altruistically. Ditch the smart phone and switch it out for one that calls and texts. Put those few people in your phone book. Tell them you have a new number, and not to give it out to anyone else.
I did this, and you know what? I’m one hundred times more productive. My level of fulfilment has increased tenfold. And I have finally have time to do what I always wanted.
Once you realise how much has been robbed from you by your smart phone you’ll never look back.
Get back to what’s most important in your life. Live. Experience things. Enjoy them. Make memories.
You’ll be surprised at how much you miss by staring down at that screen, doom scrolling.
