This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
How to utilize your phone to increase your productivity
Computer Museum In Bozeman, MTIf you haven’t been to the computer Museum in Montana, check it out; it’s quite worth the visit.
I came across this photo [above] in the museum and was mesmerized by how much stuff phones have replaced.
The 30 Things Phones Have Replaced
Calculator
Dictionary
Encyclopedia Set
Magazines
Newspapers
Road Maps
Letters
Movie/Concert Tickets
Bank Checkbook
Wakeup Alarm
Boom Box
Records, Tapes, & CDs
Credit/Debit Cards
Pencil/Pen Ruler Set
Portable Music Tape Player
Fax Machine
Typewriter
Board/Card Games
Flashlight
Radio
Portable CD Player
Television
Film Movie Camera
Film
Digital Music Player
Wrist Watch
Compass & Altimeter
Flip Cell Phone
Land Line Phone
Printed Photos
A Blessing And A Curse
Since phones are amply capable of fulfilling several functions and needs we have, they have become a staple in our lives. Most of us don’t know how to function without them because we depend on them.
The positive thing about phones is how much value they provide.
The negative thing about phones is how much time they take away from our essential priorities.
How much time do you give to your phone each day?
We now have analytics on our phones that tell us how much screen time we’ve indulged in and provide an app breakdown. Most of the time, the numbers are unattractively high.
Some people have mastered utilizing their phones productively, but this is an anomaly.
Utilize Your Phone To Increase Your Productivity
How does one use a phone device without throwing away countless hours every day on mindless activities such as social media, videos, internet browsing, etc.?
You must put the phone away or turn it off completely.
Sometimes I notice my productivity rate has dramatically decreased, and it’s frequently due to phone usage.
What do I do to get back on track? I stay off of it and put it out of sight, so I can focus more of my time, effort, and energy on my goals.
Delete or Hide Apps
If the app isn’t useful or I barely use it, I will delete, hide, or make it harder to get to.
Example: Instead of having my email app on the front page, I put it on the second page.
Utilize Do Not Disturb Mode
Sometimes, I will put my phone on this mode to silence all notifications, but it’s also pointless for me since my notifications are usually silent already.
Manually Check Notifications
The worst thing about my productivity rate decreasing is that my actions are the direct link. I have it set to where I have to check notifications for most of my apps manually.
Hence, if I’m distracted, it’s not because I hear anything; it’s because I went out of my way to check a notification, which is ten times worse than being distracted because you heard a notification alert.
Use technology wisely. Make it work for you. Not the other way around. Don’t give away your most valuable and limited resource [time].
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.