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Inside This Issue
100 Fundamental Books — Part 2 Page 1
Streaming Services Perfect for Your Family Our Clients Say It Best Page 2 Protect Yourself from a Scam Classic French Omelet Page 3 How Often Do You Check Your Phone? Page 4
‘Digital Minimalism’ by Cal Newport A Page FromMatt’s Bookshelf
This month, I want to talk about a new book that just came out this past February, “Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a NoisyWorld.” I don’t read a lot of newly released books, but the author, Cal Newport, is one of my favorite writers, so I made an exception for his latest work. As the name implies, “Digital Minimalism” is about creating a framework for how to best use digital devices in our lives without letting them interfere with or eclipse the important things. I should make it clear
focused on work with our phone rather than being present for our child’s baseball game, it’s time to re-evaluate.
One big thing Newport suggests is taking a digital sabbatical. For 30 days, cut out all nonessential digital interactions. Obviously, you might still need to be on your computer at the office or use your phone to call your spouse when you’re meeting for dinner, but things like social media, Netflix, YouTube, or video games are all out. Instead, use that time to do work on physical projects with your hands. After a month, evaluate how you’re feeling. People who have participated in Newport’s digital sabbatical say it’s like taking the red pill in “The Matrix.” They feel awakened from a stupor, no longer fixated on their phones but instead able to find time to really interact with the world. It’s freeing. Technology isn’t bad — far from it — but the attention it demands can threaten to take up all our time and thoughts. I can’t recommend “Digital Minimalism” enough. It’s an insightful, reasonable strategy for taking control of our devices rather than letting them control us.
that this book isn’t a rant against the “dangers of technology.” I’m a tech geek myself and love my gadgets, but I’ll admit there are times when they become a crutch rather than a tool. Newport offers advice for learning how much is just enough. Our digital devices should be tools with benefits, not burdens or habits we can’t break. When we’re texting a friend rather than talking to the friend we’re having lunch with, or when we’re
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