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Six weeks before my trip to Wisconsin for a speaking engagement, I dropped my phone and cracked the screen. I was upset when it happened but soon realized it still worked. Sure, it was difficult to see text messages, photos, and other features. But it functioned.
My phone is an earlier generation I-phone—the 6s plus to be exact. It has the features I need in reliability, camera functionality, access to essential apps, and, last but not least, it makes and receives calls. While I enjoy technology and appreciate the conveniences that come with it, I don’t believe I need to have the latest gadget. Yes, I believe in brand loyalty and prefer Apple to Android, but I don’t rush to get a new one every time it comes along.
Living in Mazatlán, Sinaloa Mexico comes with benefits. It’s warm year round, the food is excellent, people are friendly, and the cost of living is inexpensive compared to living in the United States. But there are drawbacks when it comes to technology. Nearly every electronic item of higher quality is double the cost. I-phones are an especially rare commodity and come with a high price tag.
Mazatlán is a small town along the Pacific coast, and repair options for technology are limited. There is one location thirty minutes from home. It’s an Apple dealer, not a retail store—which means phone repairs are sent to Mexico City and returned almost a week later with an estimated cost of 200 USD. Because of this, and the fact that my cracked phone still worked, I decided to wait until my trip to Wisconsin to get my phone repaired in an hour for half the price.
I went to Wisconsin, rocked my speaking engagement, and had my phone repaired. The day after I returned home and was getting back into my routine, I sat the phone on the counter. Soon after, I moved my computer from my standing desk apparatus to sit-down. My external USB hard drive slid off my laptop and shattered the glass on my phone—repaired less than 48 hours ago!
This time it was bad. I could not see anything on the screen. I tried everything to restore it, but it would not even power on. Unlike the first time, I immediately became upset because I just had it fixed.
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A few days later, my anger was replaced with contentment. I found that a broken cell phone is a blessing! Over the past week, I have not had nearly as many distractions that I would usually encounter if my phone worked. Sure, I would rather have access to email, social media, and other apps from the convenience of my pocket. But I am not complaining.
I have been incredibly more productive without the constant ringing, dinging, and vibrating. The absence of a cell phone has taken my level of focus to another level.
Now, I’m not suggesting that you break your phone to get more accomplished. But you may find you can get a lot more done without the device in your pocket or resting on your lap. Try turning your phone off or leaving it in another room when working on projects aligned with the vision for your life.
We often think we need to be accessible at any time. But unless you’re an on-call doctor or possess other circumstances that demand your attention within seconds, you don’t need to hold your phone every minute of every hour on every day.
I am a minimalist in many ways, but I am not abandoning my cell phone. In fact, until I make time the time to replace it, I currently have calls forwarded to my wife’s line. This experience has reminded me that while phones are great, it’s okay to assume the role of a man unplugged. In the event of an emergency, there will likely be plenty of people in the vicinity who do have a phone.
Mindful time without technology can empower you to make progress on your life’s most important work.
My action step for you this week is to turn off your phone for one hour and focus on a postponed project, spend time with family, or pursue a self-care activity.
If you don’t know where to start, check out my personal development course.
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Photo Credit: Getty Images