To do your best work, focus on one task at a time and group similar tasks together (e.g., all internet-related activities) into specific time blocks.
When engaged in focused work, keep a physical pad to write down any impulses to go online; address these distractions in a batch later to avoid constant interruption.
Evaluate technology and social media by considering both their benefits and their potential detriments, recognizing that some tools might be net negative for your well-being.
Differentiate between deep understanding (“Planck knowledge”) and surface-level knowledge (“chauffeur knowledge”), and develop clear strategies for making decisions when operating outside your expertise.
Be willing to admit when you lack deep knowledge on a topic, especially in professional contexts where ego might compel you to pretend otherwise, to avoid giving nonsensical answers.
Develop a mental strategy to appreciate experiences for their own sake, rather than feeling the need to document them or seek fulfillment from others’ reactions.
Honestly assess your relationship with social media and select a suitable detachment strategy, whether it’s quitting cold turkey, gradually reducing usage, or implementing strict controls.
If you find it impossible to use certain social media platforms in a balanced or judicious way, consider completely disconnecting from them rather than attempting moderation.
Remove social media apps from your phone and tablet, restricting access to only a computer, to control impulses and limit when and where you engage with these tools.
Do not check email, text messages, or social media immediately after waking up, as this can lead to constant brain engagement and distraction throughout the entire day.
Limit the number of people you follow on platforms like Twitter to a small, well-curated group to ensure you only receive information from sources you are genuinely interested in.
Consider not using platforms like Facebook and Instagram if they act as “envy generators” and detract significantly from your happiness.
Understand that when you disconnect from network tools like social media, your network will notice and may react with questions or resentment; prepare for this “homeostatic response.”
Define a clear purpose for using social media and allocate a specific, short amount of time (e.g., 10 minutes for a Twitter feed) to consume content, then cut it off.
When writing or creating content, complete all core thoughts and drafting without any internet lookups or linking, then perform all internet-related tasks in a single batch at the end.
Recognize that there’s no universal formula for managing busyness and technology; adapt general ideas and strategies to fit the unique context and demands of your own life.
When learning from others, thoroughly understand their ideas, discern when and where they apply, and then specifically evaluate how they impact and can be integrated into your own life.
If overwhelmed by easy communication, intentionally introduce friction (e.g., asking people to mail physical documents instead of emailing) to filter out low-value communications that are easy for senders but costly for you.
When sending information, especially to superiors, provide a concise one or two-sentence summary of the gist, allowing the recipient to quickly grasp the core message and save time.
In organizations, leaders need to actively intervene to improve communication culture, potentially by punishing non-compliance, rather than expecting organic improvement, as current trends encourage more frictionless but less focused communication.
When disseminating information or using social media, aim for an incredibly high signal-to-noise ratio out of respect for your audience’s attention and to avoid contributing to information overload.
Instead of actively seeking news, curate your social media feeds with a small number of trusted sources, trusting that important information will find its way to you without constant active searching.