It's a great strategy - blocking out time to intentionally focus on other activities that align with your greater 'why'. Well done! I've been doing this since I heard about the idea from Cal Newport - as he suggests, in an ideal world, we wouldn't have to time-block in this way, but given our current context, having structure gives us more freedom to align our time with our values.
This talk really made me think back to simpler times when you could go through a day without being bombarded by messages or emails. I miss the peace of not having to be available all the time
Good call - I think it means we now need to be so much more vigilant in managing our attention - turning off notifications, removing distracting apps, using DND at work, and setting healthy boundaries for when we're on, and when we're off. But I also miss the simplicity of when we didn't have to do all this just to experience silence :)
Yeah keeping your phone in a different room while you sleep is solid advice. I used to sleep with my phone literally next to my head for years and I swear I'd wake up with a headache more often than not. Could be a coincidence but I don't know!
When you feel tired or want to take a break, if you just keep going you'll have about 15mins where your not running at 100%, but after that you'll get you'll get back into the zone.
Making space for real life sounds so simple yet so difficult in today’s world. It feels like we're robbed of everything... time, space, connection, nature... all of our opportunities to enjoy those things are being taken from us
This is a really important message because you're not just going to find moments of peace and silence in a world that's filled with constant noise, and moments like that are so important for our mental clarity!!
as someone who deals with anxiety, this talk definitely got me reflecting on how my tech habits might be exacerbating that. time for some real talk with myself!
The idea of practicing a skill like piano vs. the internet is a great comparison. It makes me realize how much of my time is spent on the internet without any real benefit
This talk made me reflect on the importance of space in our lives. It's not just about technology; it's about embracing our humanity and savoring life's real moments.
Love this comment - while I talk about tech in this talk, my message is always about how to live intentionally and embrace the best of humanity. So grateful that it came through.
I used to "lose my phone" for weeks on end because I loved no one being able to reach me unless I really wanted them to. This was before social media really took off and we all become so reliant on them to distract us from our actual lives.
This talk made me nostalgic for pre-smartphone days! Just popping in on people in the same neighborhood or even sending letters to friends and family interstate, how happy it'd make you when you got a letter back. It's like it doesn't mean as much anymore because it's instant and effortless
Great insight. Cal Newport argues that the problem with email (and other instant messaging tools) is that they are free and effortless, and as such, we overuse them and end up with a deluge of low-quality information. Not that I'd want to return to having to wait for letters over days or weeks, but I do still keep a bunch of letters from close friends that I've kept for over 20 years - not so with Gmail!
I love this honest comment - thank you for sharing. I like the quote from Richard Bach - "I teach best what I most need to learn." That's me for sure - a doer by nature and not at ease with being still, doing nothing, learning to 'be' - but I'm getting better over time. It's definitely a skill to practice. Start small. The recognition of the need for this is the best start! You might like my latest TH-cam video as well - Actively Do Nothing :)
Some really valid points about what we can fit in that glass lol and also so much of the online activity is isolating!! It might feel like we're connected or connecting, which is important because we are social creatures, but it's not real! You can't hug a screen. You can't hear a meme laughing with you... you can't properly comfort someone through messenger. It's all just a watered down version of what life really is.
A huge part of this too is that we're using tech in more and more parts of our lives... on our commutes, during work hours, to do errands and shopping, even our version of relaxation is heavily centred around tech be it gaming or streaming movies and shows
Yes, we definitely swim in a digital current, which can hold tremendous benefits, but only if we balance our lives a bit more than those swimming the fastest! That's why I promote unplugging on a regular basis - it helps to balance the neurological and time scorecard of our lives. I appreciate your comments.
I think it's making time for the little things... the worst about so much tech is how much patience we've lost. We expect everything to be now now now so when it takes a little while sometimes you forget about it
Oh I feel your pain - I think my day would be seriously unhinged if I lost my router for a a few hours... a bit sad isn't it. But there's benefits in it all as well. Thanks for your comment.
I once spent 8 months without electricity let alone tech and it was the most soul-soothing and empowering thing I've ever done. Not even a retreat or anything. Just had my power switched off and thought why not see how long I can live like this?
I love this! That's a great story! I'd be fascinated to hear more of the context one day. In what was this soul-soothing and empowering? What did you end up doing with your time? I'm curious... but thanks for watching my talk :)
@@Daniel_Sih thanks for the reply and curiosity! I ended up getting really into painting, it was mostly over summer so I'd just set up in my garden and be able to paint until 8:30 or so without too much trouble! I also lived behind a shop on a pretty main road with lots of cafes and bars so there was still lots of night life around... It's hard to explain but I think it was so empowering because we're told to be scared of stuff like getting our power shut off and how it's this big necessity like something we NEED from the govt but really it was fine. I did miss cold drinking water though!
@@shimmikang Love this story. So beautiful. Painting, gardening, and hanging out at cafe's sounds like a good life to me! And the bonus is that if you end up having kids, you can say to them; "Stop complaining kids... when I was young, we didn't even have electricity... or drinking water!" Ha! :)
Thanks for sharing this mate. That makes me smile. Try to take 2 minutes out a day to simply be silent - and build on it as a habit. It's a game changer.
I see this everywhere. There's a collective tiredness, and frantic level of 'more' that has crept in post COVID. Tech overuse is certainly not the only factor involved, but it's easy to forget the 'before' and 'after' of how we lived - not that the past is all good and the future is bad... but we certainly could do with a little more space, silence, and inner rest. I appreciate the comment :)
I think part of why this is such a big issue is the pressure to be available to everyone all the time. It makes you feel like you can't just walk away from your phone because what if a loved one or someone from work needs you?
So true - and a great call. And hard when you feel this way - but good to recognise! Big Tech is built around our desire to connect with others and be good citizens - think of likes, streaks, notifications etc. But once you recognise the internal drivers of distraction - the desire to be present for loved ones, the fear of missing out, the anxiety that others might need you in a hurry - then you can reflect on what Nir Eyal calls ''internal triggers" (those feelings and internal fears that drive tech-behaviours) and rationally change them. I don't think we need to be always available, all the time - and can communicate this with others. If we're willing to do the heart work ourselves. The very fact that you care about others and how you might impact them is a beautiful thing - shows you're human :)
I loved the idea of having a tech-free meal with family or friends. definitely gonna try that out and see how it feels to connect without any screens in the way
Perfect - let me know how you go! If you have kids involved, my favourite question at dinner is "What's your high, low, Gruffalo" - that is, a high point from the day, a low point from the day, and something random or strange or interesting ... leads to brilliant conversations! I also have a video on my Spacemakers TH-cam channel about tech-free meals. Thanks for commenting.
I like the idea of making space being about our humanity and I agree the type of life we want to live is all about being aware of the decisions we're making.
For me, the whole spacemaker philosophy is really about intentional living -- making deliberate choices about who we are and what we value, rather than simply going with the flow. Tech is part of this, but can't be the driving force of how we live. Thanks for your comment!
Gotta appreciate the reminder to enjoy life beyond screens. The more time goes on the more normalized it's going to become for us to spend all our time in front of one
So true... there's so much value in the online world, but we can lose our sense of reality if we don't broaden our experiences of life. Thanks for your comment.
Oh - thanks for that comment. It's so hard as a dad to make space to be truly present... but so important. I plan to share a lot more tech-healthy parenting videos on my channel in the coming month :)
I saw this talk a few months back and the bit he says about "practicing" really stuck in my head. Now when I'm mindlessly playing some game on my mobile or just scrolling aimlessly I think about what kind of pathways in my brain are being made and what is being erased in the process and it always snaps me out of it!
I agree - it's so important for parents to reflect on their own habits, and to understand the impact of tech-overuse as we make choices about our kids' tech and social media use. Thanks for your thoughts :)
The analogy of the glass representing our finite capacity was so on point. It's a visual reminder that we can't just keep adding without overflowing. Makes you wonder what we're sacrificing for endless notifications and screen time
the comparison between practicing piano as a kid vs. practicing internet when you're older was mindblowing. our brains are literally being rewired by all this screentime
It's such a paradigm shift isn't it - and helps you begin to reflect on the impact of the things you do, and how they shape you. Thanks for commenting :)
"We all need a bit more space in a world with so much information and noise." This line really hit me.... I have these moments when I've been doom scrolling where it all of a sudden feels so loud and crowded in my head.
The connection between real, relational moments and feeling truly human resonates. It's a reminder to focus on the people and experiences that bring joy and fulfillment rather than a quick dopamine hit, over and over and over lol
Thanks for your comment. It's quite liberating when we accept the hard reality that we will never get everything done and can therefore be deliberate in what we allow to flow in and out our lives.
I grew up without television. Hard to imagine right? We played cricket in the street and went fishing in the stream down the road. Totally different but great healthy fun.
Man I could not agree with this more. I had drinks with a friend of mine last night and she didn't look at her phone once while we were together. It was amazing.
So good - your experience reminds me of a quote I read this week from Simone Weil - "Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity." It's such a gift when someone gives us their full attention, and doesn't divert it to the online world.
I've always thought being constantly online meant being productive, but this really challenges that idea. It's a refreshing perspective on balancing technology with real-life experiences. Definitely something to ponder.
The curve thing was pretty interesting! Makes sense really, you get a new thing and use it for it's purpose but the convenience of it makes you overuse it and then you're not even using it for the things you originally bought it for...
Spot on. In fact that's the rule of life that Aristotle talked about - that we need to find the 'middle' because this is where we discover healthy reality.
That's great to hear. One thing I do each week is write down 5 tasks or 'big rocks' that are most important to me -- the stuff that goes in my glass first - and then anything else that I achieve is a bonus. I find this helps me continue to put first things first and not stress as much about the overflow :)
Yes, I write and speak a lot about kids and mental health, focus, and attention - that's another big topic altogether! But certainly related. Thanks for your thoughts.
@@alantcase Sure thing - I don't think I am meant to share links on this site, but look up "raising humans daniel sih" on Google and you'll find all the free resources and videos! Enjoy the journey.
You might like our podcast, The Spacemakers (season 1) ... it's all about how to retrain our fractured attention, one practice at a time. Thanks for commenting.
Yup I think I really needed to see this... I keep waking up with popular audio clips from reels that I've watched the night before. It's kind of scary tbh
Thank you for taking time to watch and comment. It's tough, but if you can, I recommend withdrawing and unplugging from reels and shorts. They are surprisingly toxic for our brain's focus and attention, irrespective of content. No judgement at all - just the acknowledgement that short-form videos are fracturing our ability to focus and be still. Even if they are ridiculously popular. Truly value your comments :)
Yes, I completely agree with what he's saying/his advice. Also getting out in nature is so valuable for mental health and reconnecting with your internal world. Strongly suggest that for everyone.
I know I'm not the only one who gets sucked into the comparison trap online... taking a break from all that once in a while is so necessary for my mental health.
This is important. The tech dependency is taking away our ability to connect with others face to face. I mean to _really_ see one another and form those lasting connections. I think practicing the kind of tech abstinence Daniel is talking about here could go a long way towards peoples ability to build rapport with one another again
That's beautiful - I very much agree that we need to prioritise connection and 'seeing' one another. Such a beautiful expression. My heart is not to reduce technology and it's place in our lives, but to amplify human connection and meaningful interactions beyond a screen. You might enjoy my latest podcast episode on The Spacemakers about how to invest in deep and meaningful friendships (on my TH-cam channel, or Apple Podcasts). Thanks for commenting!
It feels both ironic and lucky that I've come across this talk! Ironic because it's through using tech that I found it but lucky because the last few weeks I've felt like I need to change something for my peace of mind. It's like I always have external noise in my brain
Thanks for letting me know! Yes I wrestle with the use of a medium like TH-cam to promote a slower, more considered, less reactive pace of life - but comments like this are encouraging that it makes an impact. Thanks for sharing.
A thought-provoking analysis of the relationship between technology and productivity. I appreciate the visual representation of the curve, showcasing the diminishing returns of excessive technology use. It's a reminder that more technology doesn't automatically equate to more productivity. I'm curious to learn more about the habits of keeping pace and making space, and how they can be cultivated to lead a happy and healthy digital life
Yup can definitely relate to this, especially feeling "wired and tired" all the time. It's such a hard habit to break though but I agree we need to find that balance
Love that - I have to keep doing this again and again to remember what truly matters, and make space for these things. We so easily forget in the whirlwind of life, hey!
These are some really interesting insights into tech and productivity... I think it's time to reassess my habits because I have been in a bit of a slump creativity wise.
Love your comment - from my experience, technology can augment your creativity, so long as you have times when you are not online... to mind wander, think deeply, allow yourself time for both deliberate practice and creative spontaneity - so again, it's about the patterns of keeping pace and making space. Good luck! Keep creating!
I appreciate the analogy of the overflowing glass representing our limited time, energy, and attention. It highlights the constant barrage of information and tasks we face daily and as someone who values focus and reflection the idea of making hard choices about what we prioritize/allow into our lives really resonates with me
Thanks for your thoughts Aaron. It's so true that making space for focus, deep thought and reflection now involves hard choices. It may have always been hard to give attention to these things, but now it's truly an art that needs practice and commitment - a set of skills worth mastering.
Daniel I love that you are shedding light on emerging issues and providing inspiration and strategies to help us to create space for wellbeing. Social media and technology more widely can be a space for connection if it's used in an interactive and intentional way, however so important to put down the technology and connect with loved ones face to face where possible, put our feet in the grass, and have meetings with ourselves (once we've scheduled the time for intentional thinking and self-care 😂). Thanks for inspiring me to make space Daniel.
The emphasis on the importance of space and reflection really resonates with me. I find that I'm quite easily overwhelmed by a constant stream of information and digital noise so the idea of making deliberate choices around it makes me feel pretty empowered.
the thought of a whole day without tech makes me anxious... mainly because I don't know what I would do and that makes me kind of sad. I remember being a kid and just reading books literally all day.
You just nailed it - find a beautiful place outdoors on a warm day. Read a book that you are curious about. If you get bored, nap - and then read some more. Even if you only last 1 hour it'd be a great experience :) Sounds like a winner to me!
Daniel makes a great point about the need for some breathing room in our lives amidst the crazy digital world and I totally get the whole glass analogy - it's like our time, energy, and attention are constantly overflowing. Making tough choices about what really matters and then setting/keeping to boundaries around what we allow in our life can be so difficult but I really do see the benefits of it
I appreciate the reminder to create space for meaningful moments with my children. I'm going to try incorporating some tech-free activities into our routine to savor those simple, human experiences.
Wow this is really speaking to me, I think I'm guilty of Instagram and TH-cam being my main hobbies now because it's so easy but really it's just taking so much time away from my _actual_ hobbies
I've always found solace in nature, and this talk resonated with me. It's true; we need space to connect with the world around us. I'm lucky to live in an area surrounded by nature, and I make it a point to go for walks without any devices.
The struggle is real-being always online, always available. Can relate to the need for that one day a week to unplug and experience a different kind of day.
Yes!! I've recently started _insisting_ on tech-free meals and it's been really nice to see the family connect as a whole. Thanks for reaffirming this for me!
I know what he means, I feel like by the time I just get my work done for the day and take care of everything at home I have zero time left for anything else... I haven't thought that it might be space that I'm lacking though
So true - it's hard just to keep our heads about water day by day, but life's best moment often happen when we make a bit of space. I often ask people how they might trade 2 hours of low quality tech-time each week, or even each month, for 2 hours of high quality silence, relationships, or adventure ... a small trade in time can transform our self-care and experiences of life. Appreciate you watching my talk! There's more about the mid-life squeeze on my podcast, The Spacemakers :)
It's weird to think the late 80's babies were the last generation to have a full developmental 10 years of not relying on technology. It is wise to remind and teach people how to take a step back and be present. Great talk Daniel!
A tech-free day is scary but the idea of gaining a bit of independence from the constantly connected world is intriguing. Time for a little experiment!
"Space to connect with nature." This stood out. I'd like to be able to incorporate nature in my daily routine.
Yes that's one of the ways I most enjoy making space. I love the silence and time to reflect on life's meaning.
Totally agree, digital overload is exhausting. I've been setting aside tech-free blocks of time and it's been refreshing.
It's a great strategy - blocking out time to intentionally focus on other activities that align with your greater 'why'. Well done! I've been doing this since I heard about the idea from Cal Newport - as he suggests, in an ideal world, we wouldn't have to time-block in this way, but given our current context, having structure gives us more freedom to align our time with our values.
This is the talk I needed to go back to waking up at 5 am and spending the first 30mins of my day meditating in silence.
This talk really made me think back to simpler times when you could go through a day without being bombarded by messages or emails. I miss the peace of not having to be available all the time
Good call - I think it means we now need to be so much more vigilant in managing our attention - turning off notifications, removing distracting apps, using DND at work, and setting healthy boundaries for when we're on, and when we're off. But I also miss the simplicity of when we didn't have to do all this just to experience silence :)
Yeah keeping your phone in a different room while you sleep is solid advice. I used to sleep with my phone literally next to my head for years and I swear I'd wake up with a headache more often than not. Could be a coincidence but I don't know!
When you feel tired or want to take a break, if you just keep going you'll have about 15mins where your not running at 100%, but after that you'll get you'll get back into the zone.
Making space for real life sounds so simple yet so difficult in today’s world. It feels like we're robbed of everything... time, space, connection, nature... all of our opportunities to enjoy those things are being taken from us
This is a really important message because you're not just going to find moments of peace and silence in a world that's filled with constant noise, and moments like that are so important for our mental clarity!!
as someone who deals with anxiety, this talk definitely got me reflecting on how my tech habits might be exacerbating that. time for some real talk with myself!
The idea of practicing a skill like piano vs. the internet is a great comparison. It makes me realize how much of my time is spent on the internet without any real benefit
The concept of the "productive Middle" is intriguing. More tech doesn't always mean more output. It's about finding that sweet spot.
And that sweet spot shifts over time - but being aware of when to lean into pace, and when to push into space can be helpful :)
This talk made me reflect on the importance of space in our lives. It's not just about technology; it's about embracing our humanity and savoring life's real moments.
Love this comment - while I talk about tech in this talk, my message is always about how to live intentionally and embrace the best of humanity. So grateful that it came through.
this talk has me rethinking my whole "grind 24/7" mentality. maybe taking breaks to rest and recharge is actually the key to peak performance
I used to "lose my phone" for weeks on end because I loved no one being able to reach me unless I really wanted them to. This was before social media really took off and we all become so reliant on them to distract us from our actual lives.
Never realized how much mental energy I spend on tech until he pointed it out. No wonder I'm always exhausted by the end of the day.
Starting each and ending each day without our phones sounds like an easy way to improve in this area without loosing anything I'm doing
Perfect - the best way to build new habits it through small but meaningful steps.
As a teacher, I see this with my students every day. Wish this was part of our curriculum somehow.
This talk made me nostalgic for pre-smartphone days! Just popping in on people in the same neighborhood or even sending letters to friends and family interstate, how happy it'd make you when you got a letter back. It's like it doesn't mean as much anymore because it's instant and effortless
Great insight. Cal Newport argues that the problem with email (and other instant messaging tools) is that they are free and effortless, and as such, we overuse them and end up with a deluge of low-quality information. Not that I'd want to return to having to wait for letters over days or weeks, but I do still keep a bunch of letters from close friends that I've kept for over 20 years - not so with Gmail!
Never considered how being online might be changing my brain. I played guitar so I really got the piano story.
The moment he gave us silence a TH-cam ad destroyed what would've been a beautiful moment. Great talk though!
The irony - but thank you for your reflection. Enjoy a bit more space this week.
The concept of "pace and space" as the yin and yang of productivity is something I've never considered. It makes so much sense though.
"we need space to think about who we are and our inner life" - ok that hit deep. not sure of the last time I gave myself permission to just...be
I love this honest comment - thank you for sharing. I like the quote from Richard Bach - "I teach best what I most need to learn." That's me for sure - a doer by nature and not at ease with being still, doing nothing, learning to 'be' - but I'm getting better over time. It's definitely a skill to practice. Start small. The recognition of the need for this is the best start! You might like my latest TH-cam video as well - Actively Do Nothing :)
Some really valid points about what we can fit in that glass lol and also so much of the online activity is isolating!! It might feel like we're connected or connecting, which is important because we are social creatures, but it's not real! You can't hug a screen. You can't hear a meme laughing with you... you can't properly comfort someone through messenger. It's all just a watered down version of what life really is.
That's beautiful - "you can't hug a screen." That could be a simple test of whether something is human or not :)
A huge part of this too is that we're using tech in more and more parts of our lives... on our commutes, during work hours, to do errands and shopping, even our version of relaxation is heavily centred around tech be it gaming or streaming movies and shows
Yes, we definitely swim in a digital current, which can hold tremendous benefits, but only if we balance our lives a bit more than those swimming the fastest! That's why I promote unplugging on a regular basis - it helps to balance the neurological and time scorecard of our lives. I appreciate your comments.
I think it's making time for the little things... the worst about so much tech is how much patience we've lost. We expect everything to be now now now so when it takes a little while sometimes you forget about it
Loved the piano analogy about neuroplasticity. Shows how habits shape us, for better or worse.
Oh I feel your pain - I think my day would be seriously unhinged if I lost my router for a a few hours... a bit sad isn't it. But there's benefits in it all as well. Thanks for your comment.
I once spent 8 months without electricity let alone tech and it was the most soul-soothing and empowering thing I've ever done. Not even a retreat or anything. Just had my power switched off and thought why not see how long I can live like this?
I love this! That's a great story! I'd be fascinated to hear more of the context one day. In what was this soul-soothing and empowering? What did you end up doing with your time? I'm curious... but thanks for watching my talk :)
@@Daniel_Sih thanks for the reply and curiosity! I ended up getting really into painting, it was mostly over summer so I'd just set up in my garden and be able to paint until 8:30 or so without too much trouble! I also lived behind a shop on a pretty main road with lots of cafes and bars so there was still lots of night life around... It's hard to explain but I think it was so empowering because we're told to be scared of stuff like getting our power shut off and how it's this big necessity like something we NEED from the govt but really it was fine. I did miss cold drinking water though!
@@shimmikang Love this story. So beautiful. Painting, gardening, and hanging out at cafe's sounds like a good life to me! And the bonus is that if you end up having kids, you can say to them; "Stop complaining kids... when I was young, we didn't even have electricity... or drinking water!" Ha! :)
That moment of silence in the talk was powerful. Can't remember the last time I just sat and thought without reaching for my phone.
Thanks for sharing this mate. That makes me smile. Try to take 2 minutes out a day to simply be silent - and build on it as a habit. It's a game changer.
@@Daniel_Sih so very true, thanks
The thought of having a phone free day was scary and liberating at the same time. Definitely going to try it.
His ideas about digital overuse are spot on. I feel so much more exhausted since COVID forced everything online.
I see this everywhere. There's a collective tiredness, and frantic level of 'more' that has crept in post COVID. Tech overuse is certainly not the only factor involved, but it's easy to forget the 'before' and 'after' of how we lived - not that the past is all good and the future is bad... but we certainly could do with a little more space, silence, and inner rest. I appreciate the comment :)
I think part of why this is such a big issue is the pressure to be available to everyone all the time. It makes you feel like you can't just walk away from your phone because what if a loved one or someone from work needs you?
So true - and a great call. And hard when you feel this way - but good to recognise! Big Tech is built around our desire to connect with others and be good citizens - think of likes, streaks, notifications etc. But once you recognise the internal drivers of distraction - the desire to be present for loved ones, the fear of missing out, the anxiety that others might need you in a hurry - then you can reflect on what Nir Eyal calls ''internal triggers" (those feelings and internal fears that drive tech-behaviours) and rationally change them. I don't think we need to be always available, all the time - and can communicate this with others. If we're willing to do the heart work ourselves. The very fact that you care about others and how you might impact them is a beautiful thing - shows you're human :)
I loved the idea of having a tech-free meal with family or friends. definitely gonna try that out and see how it feels to connect without any screens in the way
Perfect - let me know how you go! If you have kids involved, my favourite question at dinner is "What's your high, low, Gruffalo" - that is, a high point from the day, a low point from the day, and something random or strange or interesting ... leads to brilliant conversations! I also have a video on my Spacemakers TH-cam channel about tech-free meals. Thanks for commenting.
I like the idea of making space being about our humanity and I agree the type of life we want to live is all about being aware of the decisions we're making.
For me, the whole spacemaker philosophy is really about intentional living -- making deliberate choices about who we are and what we value, rather than simply going with the flow. Tech is part of this, but can't be the driving force of how we live. Thanks for your comment!
This whole conversation reminds me of that quote "almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you”
Love the Anne Lamott reference .. I started one of my chapters of "Spacemaker" with this apt quote. Good call :)
Gotta appreciate the reminder to enjoy life beyond screens. The more time goes on the more normalized it's going to become for us to spend all our time in front of one
So true... there's so much value in the online world, but we can lose our sense of reality if we don't broaden our experiences of life. Thanks for your comment.
interesting take on productivity in the digital age. actually excited to try those spacemaker habits!
The best moments in life are rarely online-that hit me hard. Need to make more space for those simple, human, and offline moments that truly matter.
It's eye-opening to consider the concept of making space in our lives for what truly matters. Going to try some tech-free days myself!
That's fabulous - I'd love to hear how you go being tech-free! It's such a healthy way of living a balanced life with and without technology.
Starting the day with intention rather than diving into the digital noise is pretty valuable. Sets you up properly for the day!
We're all drowning in tech and forgot how to just be human. gonna try that phone-free day idea!
The examples of your kids' best moments were heartwarming. Simple, real, and human experiences seem to outweigh the digital ones. 🌈
Oh - thanks for that comment. It's so hard as a dad to make space to be truly present... but so important. I plan to share a lot more tech-healthy parenting videos on my channel in the coming month :)
I saw this talk a few months back and the bit he says about "practicing" really stuck in my head. Now when I'm mindlessly playing some game on my mobile or just scrolling aimlessly I think about what kind of pathways in my brain are being made and what is being erased in the process and it always snaps me out of it!
This is a great talk and something everyone should be more aware of, especially parents.
I agree - it's so important for parents to reflect on their own habits, and to understand the impact of tech-overuse as we make choices about our kids' tech and social media use. Thanks for your thoughts :)
The analogy of the glass representing our finite capacity was so on point. It's a visual reminder that we can't just keep adding without overflowing. Makes you wonder what we're sacrificing for endless notifications and screen time
the comparison between practicing piano as a kid vs. practicing internet when you're older was mindblowing. our brains are literally being rewired by all this screentime
It's such a paradigm shift isn't it - and helps you begin to reflect on the impact of the things you do, and how they shape you. Thanks for commenting :)
@@Daniel_Sih big time, thanks for replying! I've been trying to cut back on the unnecessary stuff since watching!
@@mycrazylifeismine Brilliant! Small steps, make some space, rinse and repeat. That's the secret to a more meaningful life :)
"We all need a bit more space in a world with so much information and noise." This line really hit me.... I have these moments when I've been doom scrolling where it all of a sudden feels so loud and crowded in my head.
The connection between real, relational moments and feeling truly human resonates. It's a reminder to focus on the people and experiences that bring joy and fulfillment rather than a quick dopamine hit, over and over and over lol
I appreciate the reality check Daniel gave us. Accepting that we can't do everything is liberating. It's time to prioritize
Thanks for your comment. It's quite liberating when we accept the hard reality that we will never get everything done and can therefore be deliberate in what we allow to flow in and out our lives.
I grew up without television. Hard to imagine right? We played cricket in the street and went fishing in the stream down the road. Totally different but great healthy fun.
Man I could not agree with this more. I had drinks with a friend of mine last night and she didn't look at her phone once while we were together. It was amazing.
So good - your experience reminds me of a quote I read this week from Simone Weil - "Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity." It's such a gift when someone gives us their full attention, and doesn't divert it to the online world.
@@Daniel_Sih great quote
The idea of making space in a cluttered world is profound. It's not just about technology; it's about reclaiming our humanity.
Love it ...
I've always thought being constantly online meant being productive, but this really challenges that idea. It's a refreshing perspective on balancing technology with real-life experiences. Definitely something to ponder.
The curve thing was pretty interesting! Makes sense really, you get a new thing and use it for it's purpose but the convenience of it makes you overuse it and then you're not even using it for the things you originally bought it for...
Spot on. In fact that's the rule of life that Aristotle talked about - that we need to find the 'middle' because this is where we discover healthy reality.
I love this message, we need to make space for our selves, first and foremost.
After listening I'll never get everything done and prioritising task load is more important, I felt a wonderful sense of calm.
That's great to hear. One thing I do each week is write down 5 tasks or 'big rocks' that are most important to me -- the stuff that goes in my glass first - and then anything else that I achieve is a bonus. I find this helps me continue to put first things first and not stress as much about the overflow :)
I like this talk, simple yet insightful
I can so totally relate to Daniel's statement, "when I spend too much time staring at a glowing rectangle I feel wired and tired and distracted"
Sharing this one for sure, was literally having a conversation about this stuff with a group of friends over the weekend
What? You still have actual, real-life, in-person conversations with friends? Just joking ... thanks for sharing :)
@@Daniel_Sih lol, thanks
Love the message and advice here mate! Especially for future generations that have been born into a tech saturated world.
Yes, I write and speak a lot about kids and mental health, focus, and attention - that's another big topic altogether! But certainly related. Thanks for your thoughts.
@@Daniel_Sih no worries, thanks for the reply! would certainly be interested to hear your opinions on all of that too
@@alantcase Sure thing - I don't think I am meant to share links on this site, but look up "raising humans daniel sih" on Google and you'll find all the free resources and videos! Enjoy the journey.
he made such a good point about how we're basically "practicing the internet" for hours every day. no wonder my attention span is shot! 😅
You might like our podcast, The Spacemakers (season 1) ... it's all about how to retrain our fractured attention, one practice at a time. Thanks for commenting.
Yup I think I really needed to see this... I keep waking up with popular audio clips from reels that I've watched the night before. It's kind of scary tbh
Thank you for taking time to watch and comment. It's tough, but if you can, I recommend withdrawing and unplugging from reels and shorts. They are surprisingly toxic for our brain's focus and attention, irrespective of content. No judgement at all - just the acknowledgement that short-form videos are fracturing our ability to focus and be still. Even if they are ridiculously popular. Truly value your comments :)
Yes, I completely agree with what he's saying/his advice. Also getting out in nature is so valuable for mental health and reconnecting with your internal world. Strongly suggest that for everyone.
I like the term "forest bathing" that people are using for engaging with the natural world. A space for awe, wonder, and reflecting on life's meaning.
I know I'm not the only one who gets sucked into the comparison trap online... taking a break from all that once in a while is so necessary for my mental health.
Smart, love this TED!
This is important. The tech dependency is taking away our ability to connect with others face to face. I mean to _really_ see one another and form those lasting connections. I think practicing the kind of tech abstinence Daniel is talking about here could go a long way towards peoples ability to build rapport with one another again
That's beautiful - I very much agree that we need to prioritise connection and 'seeing' one another. Such a beautiful expression. My heart is not to reduce technology and it's place in our lives, but to amplify human connection and meaningful interactions beyond a screen. You might enjoy my latest podcast episode on The Spacemakers about how to invest in deep and meaningful friendships (on my TH-cam channel, or Apple Podcasts). Thanks for commenting!
This is very good advice and also it's just beneficial to think about this kind of things, thank you.
It feels both ironic and lucky that I've come across this talk! Ironic because it's through using tech that I found it but lucky because the last few weeks I've felt like I need to change something for my peace of mind. It's like I always have external noise in my brain
Thanks for letting me know! Yes I wrestle with the use of a medium like TH-cam to promote a slower, more considered, less reactive pace of life - but comments like this are encouraging that it makes an impact. Thanks for sharing.
"The breadth and depth of all that life has to offer beyond the screen." Such a poetic way to express the need for more offline experiences.
Thanks for your comment - the world is so vaste and there's so much to celebrate...
A thought-provoking analysis of the relationship between technology and productivity. I appreciate the visual representation of the curve, showcasing the diminishing returns of excessive technology use. It's a reminder that more technology doesn't automatically equate to more productivity. I'm curious to learn more about the habits of keeping pace and making space, and how they can be cultivated to lead a happy and healthy digital life
Very true, thanks for sending me the link..
Yup can definitely relate to this, especially feeling "wired and tired" all the time. It's such a hard habit to break though but I agree we need to find that balance
The idea of unplugging for a whole day seemed impossible at first, but now I'm kinda excited to try it.
Let me know how you find it! Break your schema, try something new, see what happens :)
Daniel's talk challenged me to think about the best moments in my life and yes, none of them have taken place online - time to make more space!
Love that - I have to keep doing this again and again to remember what truly matters, and make space for these things. We so easily forget in the whirlwind of life, hey!
All of this is so true! Practicing the internet can change our brains. I'm going to be more intentional about my online habits.
These are some really interesting insights into tech and productivity... I think it's time to reassess my habits because I have been in a bit of a slump creativity wise.
Love your comment - from my experience, technology can augment your creativity, so long as you have times when you are not online... to mind wander, think deeply, allow yourself time for both deliberate practice and creative spontaneity - so again, it's about the patterns of keeping pace and making space. Good luck! Keep creating!
Love the productivity insights here! I've always believed in the power of intentional habits.
Your piano practice analogy really struck a chord with me (pun intended). It's amazing how our brains adapt to our habits.
Good pun! Thanks for sharing :)
I appreciate the analogy of the overflowing glass representing our limited time, energy, and attention. It highlights the constant barrage of information and tasks we face daily and as someone who values focus and reflection the idea of making hard choices about what we prioritize/allow into our lives really resonates with me
Thanks for your thoughts Aaron. It's so true that making space for focus, deep thought and reflection now involves hard choices. It may have always been hard to give attention to these things, but now it's truly an art that needs practice and commitment - a set of skills worth mastering.
Wow, this hit home for me. Feeling the overwhelm of digital life and the constant online buzz. Definitely need to make more space for the real stuff.
Appreciate how he articulated the essence of being and the richness of real, tangible experiences.
Daniel I love that you are shedding light on emerging issues and providing inspiration and strategies to help us to create space for wellbeing.
Social media and technology more widely can be a space for connection if it's used in an interactive and intentional way, however so important to put down the technology and connect with loved ones face to face where possible, put our feet in the grass, and have meetings with ourselves (once we've scheduled the time for intentional thinking and self-care 😂). Thanks for inspiring me to make space Daniel.
I love this Kessie - "put our feet on the grass." That's a lovely image of the simplicity of life.
The emphasis on the importance of space and reflection really resonates with me. I find that I'm quite easily overwhelmed by a constant stream of information and digital noise so the idea of making deliberate choices around it makes me feel pretty empowered.
Daniel's productivity curve is eye-opening! I'm definitely on the right side. Time to reclaim some space!
the thought of a whole day without tech makes me anxious... mainly because I don't know what I would do and that makes me kind of sad. I remember being a kid and just reading books literally all day.
You just nailed it - find a beautiful place outdoors on a warm day. Read a book that you are curious about. If you get bored, nap - and then read some more. Even if you only last 1 hour it'd be a great experience :) Sounds like a winner to me!
9.4 hours a day online?! that stat blew my mind. I knew I spent a lot of time plugged in but damn... time for a reality check 😳
"Pillow talk with your spouse, not your phone." Brilliant advice. Gotta prioritize human connections over constant screen time.
It's kind of funny when you think about it... we choose a phone over our loved one! But we all do it - thanks for your comment :)
Never thought about technology and productivity as an upside-down curve. Mind blown! Time to reassess my tech habits for sure
Daniel makes a great point about the need for some breathing room in our lives amidst the crazy digital world and I totally get the whole glass analogy - it's like our time, energy, and attention are constantly overflowing. Making tough choices about what really matters and then setting/keeping to boundaries around what we allow in our life can be so difficult but I really do see the benefits of it
I appreciate the reminder to create space for meaningful moments with my children. I'm going to try incorporating some tech-free activities into our routine to savor those simple, human experiences.
Wow this is really speaking to me, I think I'm guilty of Instagram and TH-cam being my main hobbies now because it's so easy but really it's just taking so much time away from my _actual_ hobbies
I've always found solace in nature, and this talk resonated with me. It's true; we need space to connect with the world around us. I'm lucky to live in an area surrounded by nature, and I make it a point to go for walks without any devices.
That's perfect - I feel the same living in Tasmania, Australia. Such a gift to have spaces to walk and ponder.
The struggle is real-being always online, always available. Can relate to the need for that one day a week to unplug and experience a different kind of day.
This talk really hit home for me. It's so easy to get caught up in the digital clutter. Time to make space for what truly matters.
I love technology, but Daniel's talk made me think about the impact of digital overuse and why it's important to find a balance
The word choice of 'space' and not just productivity is dead on. Time to reflect clears our vision and then we are able to achieve more.
Yes!! I've recently started _insisting_ on tech-free meals and it's been really nice to see the family connect as a whole. Thanks for reaffirming this for me!
A truly keystone habit - well done! It's a game changer for families... with lots of research to back it up.
I know what he means, I feel like by the time I just get my work done for the day and take care of everything at home I have zero time left for anything else... I haven't thought that it might be space that I'm lacking though
So true - it's hard just to keep our heads about water day by day, but life's best moment often happen when we make a bit of space. I often ask people how they might trade 2 hours of low quality tech-time each week, or even each month, for 2 hours of high quality silence, relationships, or adventure ... a small trade in time can transform our self-care and experiences of life. Appreciate you watching my talk! There's more about the mid-life squeeze on my podcast, The Spacemakers :)
It's weird to think the late 80's babies were the last generation to have a full developmental 10 years of not relying on technology. It is wise to remind and teach people how to take a step back and be present. Great talk Daniel!
Loved this Daniel Sih! Such an important message for our time.
It's refreshing to hear someone talking about the value of space amidst all the hustle and bustle. Great talk, Daniel!
A tech-free day is scary but the idea of gaining a bit of independence from the constantly connected world is intriguing. Time for a little experiment!