Digital declutter meaning1/20/2024 ![]() ![]() ![]() Yes, we all want to download files faster and get on with our work, but it comes at the detriment of our future selves. Let’s take a look at the little changes you need to introduce, to ensure your attention doesn’t get all over the place. We’ll start with cleaning up your digital workspace, as it is the place where your focus is most needed. Let’s consider how you can declutter your work computer, but also your phone and personal digital space. Which digital spaces should you declutter? Saving yourself the frustration, time, and energy on these small things adds up over time. You can’t find a suitable place that’s in-your-face enough so you don’t forget about the file.Īnd you end up either saving it on the desktop, or making an entirely new one-time folder that you forget to delete later. There are several similarly named folders on your desktop. ![]() Try to recall every time you wanted to download a file, only to find yourself scrounging for an appropriate folder:ĭownloads is packed with everything but the kitchen sink. And, going back to Newport’s mention of fractured attention, it makes sense why an emptier disk space would do you good mentally. Just like in real life, a messy computer makes for a messy mind. It’s about regaining control over your workflow, and picking up the pieces of your fragmented attention. Now, getting rid of digital clutter applies both to your online presence, and how you manage your work (and personal) files, how you organize things, what your desktop looks like, and even how often you remember to empty the Recycle Bin. We inherently put so much pressure on being visible to other influential people, brands, or companies online, that we don’t even notice how our most valuable assets - focus and energy - are deteriorating. It’s additional clutter we give our attention to, that takes too much from us for little benefits. So you could argue that for digital workers, the need to be on all platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and others can contribute to the “always-on” mentality that impedes daily work. ![]() The technology we were taught helps us progress at work is actually working against us, without us even noticing. Newport claims that this multitasking nature we’ve developed is in direct contrast with what the modern economy values - deep work, and focus. And with everything online being designed to feed our short attention span, of course we’ll be doomed to such a fate. Our ability to focus lessens the more we distract ourselves or multitask. In his TEDx talk, Newport reveals that having all these accounts causes fragmented attention and leads to permanent damage in concentration. However, Cal Newport, author of Digital Minimalism and Deep Work, who’s become a household name by now, proved that this is simply not true. And that includes countless social media accounts - LinkedIn, Twitter, Medium, Quora, Facebook, Instagram - be present everywhere! We’ve perpetuated the idea that being online is the only way to never miss a career opportunity. Knowledge workers rely on digital spaces for growth, staying updated, and connecting. While we know that overexposure to social media and digital content overall can be damaging to our personal lives, we often overlook its impact on careers. In this day and age, we’re encouraged to gather vast amounts of information and store them for future use, potential career opportunities, learning materials, etc.Īdditionally, there is another type of digital clutter masking as a beneficial thing every knowledge worker should possess. Why should you do a digital declutter?ĭigital clutter can actually have adverse psychological effects on knowledge workers. But I can already hear you wonder: “ Do I even need a digital declutter?” Maybe you’re managing just fine because you know exactly where everything is.īut, what about all those files you’ve forgotten about, that are collecting dust in your disk space? Just because you don’t use them doesn’t mean they’re harmless. It means learning to accept that a lot of your programs, apps, and extensions are optional, while only a handful have an actual purpose, both in your work and personal life. In short, to declutter your digital space means to clear out your computer, phone, or tablet (or all three) of all the apps and files you’re no longer using. How to do a digital declutter in a limited time.Decluttering your personal digital space.Which digital spaces should you declutter?. ![]()
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