The above topics are the ones I most frequently write about here, with technology being the most popular. This might strike some as odd give the minimalist focus of my blog but I think it makes sense given how intertwined with our very lives tech has become nowadays. And grappling with technology goes hand in hand with trying to simplify our lifestyles in a speed obsessed society.
From the time Linda and I attended Macworld 2007, during which Steve Jobs announced the original Apple iPhone, I have been fascinated with the ability of technology to enhance our daily lives. What none of us anticipated was how much of a world-changing device it would become. And what is funny is we did not even get our first one, the iPhone 5, until almost six years later.
Since we strive to optimize the life of our devices we now own only our second iPhone, the first edition SE, with each one lasting about five years apiece. For us leveraging technology is mainly a matter of maximizing the positive and minimizing the negative. And so with that thought in mind, we try to limit the number of gadgets to upgrade, charge up, sync up, back up, and update.
In the spirit of entering a new year and helping to simplify our technology usage, I have compiled a list of what I am calling the Digital Decluttering Dozen. As indicated below, the first half deal mainly with desktop issues and the last half deal more with mobile issues. Happy new year and here is hoping your intentional use of technology contributes to a simpler lifestyle!
Desktop
Limit subscriptions to online mailing lists.
Clear out the downloads folder of old files.
Empty the trash can of files as necessary.
Keep the computer desktop free of clutter.
Clean up bookmarked sites on web browser.
Regularly backup files to a drive or cloud.
Mobile
Establish family tech-free zones at home.
Consider incorporating periodic digital fasts.
Resist the pressure to upgrade devices so often.
Rethink privacy issues using social media.
Edit threads of all texts, emails, and calls.
Silence notifications to limit interruptions.