Stop the Scroll!
Tim Richardson
The Power of the Pause/Exceptional Service keynotes, workshops, and panel discussion facilitator. Speaker, author, husband, father, outdoor enthusiast, and aspiring jazz pianist.
In the last week, I read two great articles written by friends. Both posts reminded me of a subject that is so important in today’s world and one that I have written about before - reducing screen time. It’s more and more apparent to me that turning off phones and other screens is crucial. Yet, it seems more difficult than ever.
We like to be accessible, and we don’t like idle time.
I’ll confess I have struggled with it too, but more and more I’m leaving my phone out of reach and turning it off regularly. I’m forcing myself to be totally present, to ask questions, to listen more, to observe more, and yes, to live more.
My friend ? Donnell King, MS, DTM wrote a beautiful article based on observing two people in the ICU of a hospital. While Donn wasn’t necessarily advocating for less screen time, he would have totally missed the keen observations he made in his heart-wrenching article if he had been screen-scrolling.
Who knows what great experiences we have missed because we have been sucked in by the screen.
My friend and professional-speaking colleague Juliet Funt also wrote a fantastic article reminding parents of the importance of monitoring screen time in their homes and having periods of time where all screens are turned off.
I can hear the concerns:
“I need my phone on so I can be accessible to my kids, parents, etc.”
“What if I have an emergency?”
“I missed a great picture once because I didn’t have my phone!”
“My phone is my clock. I must keep it by my bed.”
“I need my phone to guide me to my destination.”
I am not suggesting that you become a Luddite and get rid of your phone. However, I do suggest that you be more intentional about your screen time and figure out ways to minimize doom scrolling - which affects your mental health.
For each of the reasons for having your phone handy above, there is a reasonable compromise that allows for a more present-filled and intentional life.
We all have limited time in our work and personal lives. Reducing screen time will help you by giving you more time for:
Less screen time will make you more productive and valuable in your work and offer experiences you have been missing and didn’t even know it.
#doomscrolling #leadershipdevelopment #productivepauses #productivity
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1 年Agreed. Just amazes me when you see very young...2 - 3 years olds with screens in front of them WHEN the are in a very stimulating environment like going through an airport. I was at the UT- South Carolina game this weekend, 103,000 in with more to look at than you can imagine. The family right in front of me had a 4 year old. He was playing a game on his phone the entire time! Just insane. Adults can be just as bad....my pet peeve is people recording big chunks of video at a concerts! Take a one minute video for memories BUT are you really going to go look at 90 min of video on your phone again?
President ICMAS
1 年My secret way to neutralize screen time is to get out on the Little River or go to my off the grid cabin in the mountains (TOW). In one case I don't want to get my phone wet so I leave it on shore, the other I have no signal so it's inoperative. Doing both makes it easier to leave it behind other times as well.
Confidence Cultivator | Author | Professor | Speaker | Pastor | Storyteller | Zoom host and presenter
1 年Thank you for the mention! I support being intentional about all kinds of media consumption, especially at the expense of connecting with people. Of course, without screens, you wouldn’t have seen my article, and I’m reading yours on a phone on the way to the hospital this morning. (No worries. My wife is driving.) The key is awareness and intention, since phones, computers, television, football—all kinds of things can steal your focus. Use them, but don’t be used by them. And always, pause and pay attention. ??