> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://nerdontour.net/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # What is your (dis)traction? - URL: https://nerdontour.net/what-is-your-distraction/ - Published: 2021-06-26T12:16:41.000Z - Updated: 2025-02-08T06:15:13.000Z - Author: Piotrek Bodera - Tags: mindfulness, #project, distraction, focus, Nir Eyal, Social Dilemma, social media, #wordpress, #Import 2025-02-07 08:10 It took me about a month to write the long-form article [Build Better Systems](https://nerdontour.net/build-better-systems-what-to-do-after-watching-social-dilemma-documentary/). There I dived deep into the narrative presented in the “Social Dilemma” documentary. In my opinion, the fictional family drama was a great way to showcase the complex problem of social media. Nevertheless, I value the contrarian approach of [author Nir Eyal](https://www.nirandfar.com/about-nir-eyal/?ref=nerdontour.net). In the [Knowledge Project podcast](https://fs.blog/knowledge-project/nir-eyal/?ref=nerdontour.net), Nir Eyal said that the Social Dilemma crew recorded a three-hour interview with him. The material has not been featured in the final cut, probably because Nir Eyal argues that **we are in control of our attention**. In short “traction” happens when we do what we planned to do – e.g. our work tasks. The “distraction” is when we derail – we do things out of the plan. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/16/3e/163e6ae2-f4f9-4a47-9fd9-81c2af8159f2/content/images/2025/02/indistractible.jpg) Moreover, Nir emphasizes a broad historical perspective. The state of being distracted is something that many great minds have been struggling with for millennia – regardless of the technological advancements. In Ancient Greece, Plato coined the term [*akrasia* for someone “lacking command”](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akrasia?ref=nerdontour.net). Sometimes even if we know that A is the best course of action, we do other things. ## Does this make me wise? In the Build Better Systems, I wrote about [asking ourselves questions](https://nerdontour.net/build-better-systems-what-to-do-after-watching-social-dilemma-documentary/#What%5Fto%5Fdo%5Fafter%5Fwatching%5Fthe%5FSocial%5FDilemma), as one of the methods to stay in control of tech. Following Nir’s rhetoric, we need to look at external and internal triggers, not just a device in our hand. Therefore, it’s a conversation about something more than just social media manipulations and the power of big tech. I train my attention by mindfully reflecting on my actions. For example, I ask myself – does using Facebook make me wise? My answer is – no, it irritates me. On the contrary, I ask – does using iPhone make me wise? The answer is – yes, ONLY IF I listen to audiobooks or have a call with a friend. ## Continuous pruning of noise Every technology can become irritating. An infinite amount of push notifications, urgent emails, and pop-ups create noise. **One huge unrecognizable stream that makes us busy but not productive**. That’s why it’s vital to regularly prune our digital environment. Here are some strategies that I practice. ### How I prune my email inbox? - Unsubscribe from all email newsletters that are just interesting. Keep only a few of them that are an absolute must-read - Create filters with labels to [automatically assign repetitive emails](https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/9308833?hl=en&ref=nerdontour.net) – e.g. payments, reports, etc. - Bundle less important emails into labels that I can read all at once ### How I prune push notifications on mobile? - Allow only relevant notifications – for someone is messaging me via social media - Opt-out from all marketing notifications and from [badge counter (number of unread notifications)](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201925?ref=nerdontour.net) - If an app is still pushing undesired notifications – I turn off all notifications in the [general settings of the phone](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201925?ref=nerdontour.net) ### How I prune phone calls and messages in chat apps? - Schedule “[Do Not Disturb](https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/set-do-not-disturb-iph5c3f5b77b/ios?ref=nerdontour.net)” mode for working hours with few people in my [favorite list](https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/use-contacts-from-the-phone-app-iph9b90d0aba/ios?ref=nerdontour.net), who can call me anytime - By default, I use “[Silence Unknown Callers](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207099?ref=nerdontour.net)” to block all phone calls from numbers not in my contacts - Filter [messages from unknown senders](https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/block-filter-and-report-messages-iph203ab0be4/ios?ref=nerdontour.net) and turn off notifications from group chats ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/16/3e/163e6ae2-f4f9-4a47-9fd9-81c2af8159f2/content/images/2025/02/michael-dziedzic-0TPT2B2VsxU-unsplash-2048x1539.jpg) Prune your garden | Photo by [Michael Dziedzic](https://unsplash.com/@lazycreekimages?utm%5Fsource=unsplash&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/to-prune?utm%5Fsource=unsplash&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText) ## Embrace mental and tech limits Writing articles requires concentration. I can perform this kind of deep mental work only for few hours a day. Similarly, my laptop works slower, the more RAM is used by apps. Therefore good night’s sleep replenishes my mental energy, and completely turning off the laptop cleans the RAM. I embrace the limits even in online services. My Gmail displays only 10 messages at once with a [Reading Pane at the bottom](https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/9308670?hl=en&ref=nerdontour.net). Due to pruning I receive no more than ten new emails a day and with this setup and I quickly reply or archive them. For years I have been heavily distracted. My curious mind was on a never-ending hunt for the next shiny object. Growing self-awareness and understanding technology helped me to get “on track”. What is your (dis)traction?