Phone Usage Window

A discussion about limiting phone usage and taking control of technology rather than letting it control you.

Phone Usage Boundaries

• Only use phone during work hours (9am-6pm)
• Put phone in airplane mode outside of work hours
• Limited exceptions for:
  • Workout music/headphones
  • Calls from close inner circle
  • Clock functionality

Philosophy Behind Phone Restrictions

• Phone exists for user's convenience, not others'
• Inspired by Earl Nightingale story about farmer who wouldn't answer ringing phone
  • Farmer's perspective: "I installed this phone for my convenience, not their convenience"
• Less than 1% of people maintain such strict phone boundaries
• Treats phone as a tool rather than obligation

Relationship with Communications

• No checking Instagram comments after hours
• Won't see text messages outside work hours
• Only answers calls from inner circle
• Everything else waits until work hours
• Uses airplane mode to prevent notifications

Key Mindset Shift

• Phone is there to serve the user, not other people
• Don't cater to others' timing preferences when you're paying for the service
• Taking control of technology rather than letting it control you
• Prioritizing personal boundaries over constant accessibility