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Why I changed my phone number without telling anyone, then shut the phone off entirely, and what removing the device did to my focus and output.
Short answer
I removed the phone because 25 years of constant connection cost me hours of focus every day. Cutting the device out raised my attention, productivity, and energy more than any productivity system ever did.
Key takeaways
- —Constant availability is a cost, not a feature.
- —The device is the distraction, not the apps on it.
- —Email creates a queue you control. A phone creates a queue that controls you.
- —Removing the interruption channel raises output more than optimizing around it.
3 years ago, I changed my phone number and didn't tell anyone.
2 weeks ago, I completely shut my phone off.
1 reason for both:
I've had a phone in my hand for 25+ years. Sure, it's been helpful more than once, but overall, my phone has been one MASSIVE distraction.
Hours per day lost...
A physical and mental addiction to being 'connected, informed, and available.'
Focused on shiny objects, news, and...nothing...
Never again.
If you need me, reach me here.
(Doesn't mean I'll respond, but it's your best shot!)
Why this helps you sell more 'stuff'
Two ways.
One: the interruption is the problem, not the app. People try to solve phone distraction with screen-time limits, app blockers, and notification schedules. Those are process fixes applied to a product that is designed to interrupt you. The device wins that fight every time because it only has to break through once to reset your attention. Removing it ends the fight instead of managing it.
Two: written channels put you back in control of the queue. A call demands a response the moment it arrives, on the caller's schedule, at whatever depth of thought you happen to have available. Written communication arrives, waits, and gets answered when you have something worth saying. The response is better because the queue is yours.
Follow my lead and you instantly increase your focus, productivity, and energy, plus you lighten your cognitive load. And I'm more focused than ever, so if you work with me, it's on.