Turn Down Distractions, Turn Up Your Writing!
Summary
TLDRThe video discusses various strategies to reduce distractions while writing. The presenter suggests removing digital devices, writing by hand, or using distraction-free tools like the Freewrite Alpha and Smart Typewriter. They recommend using timers such as the Pomodoro method or apps like Freedom to block internet access. For extreme measures, a timed lockbox can help lock away phones or other distractions. These tools and techniques are designed to help writers focus on their work by minimizing the temptation to scroll on their devices.
Takeaways
- 📱 Distractions from phones and computers are a major hindrance to writing productivity.
- ✍️ Writing longhand in a notebook can be a good, simple option for avoiding digital distractions.
- ⌨️ The Freewrite device allows for distraction-free typing without access to the internet or social media.
- 💻 The upgraded version, the Freewrite Smart Typewriter, offers a better typing experience with an improved e-ink screen.
- ⏲️ Using a kitchen timer and the Pomodoro technique (e.g., 25 minutes of work followed by a break) can help structure focused writing sessions.
- 📴 The Freedom app blocks internet access on your devices during scheduled writing sessions, ensuring you stay on task.
- 🔒 The Mindsight timed lockbox physically locks your phone away for a set period, helping prevent distractions entirely.
- 🎮 The lockbox features a 'Konami Code' unlock system for flexible use or can be set to a more strict 'Fortress' mode where unlocking is impossible.
- 📅 Freedom app also allows you to schedule internet downtime on both your computer and phone, tailored to specific times or apps.
- 🎯 Different methods work for different people; finding the right balance of discipline and tools is key to productive writing.
Q & A
What is the main reason the speaker suggests locking away the phone while writing?
-The speaker suggests locking away the phone because it is a major source of distraction that hinders focus while writing.
Why does the speaker recommend writing by hand in a notebook as an option?
-Writing by hand in a notebook is recommended because it removes digital distractions completely, allowing the writer to focus solely on the task of writing without being tempted by devices.
What is the Freewrite device mentioned in the script?
-The Freewrite is a digital writing tool designed specifically for distraction-free writing. It allows users to type without internet access or other apps, and the content can be synced to the cloud or transferred to a computer.
How does the speaker describe the Pomodoro technique?
-The Pomodoro technique involves working for a set period (usually 25 minutes), followed by a short break (5 minutes). It helps manage time effectively by giving structured work intervals and designated break times.
What are the features of the upgraded Freewrite Smart Typewriter?
-The Freewrite Smart Typewriter has an e-ink screen, shows word counts and reading time, and allows customization of the display size and brightness. It offers a better typing experience with a focus on distraction-free writing.
What is the role of the kitchen timer in maintaining focus, according to the speaker?
-The kitchen timer is used as a non-digital tool to time writing sessions, similar to the Pomodoro technique. It prevents the temptation to check the phone or other distractions by setting a boundary for focused work.
What does the Freedom app do to help writers focus?
-The Freedom app blocks internet access and certain apps for a specified period. This allows the user to stay focused on writing without being distracted by emails, social media, or other online activities.
How does the Mindsight timed lockbox function?
-The Mindsight timed lockbox allows users to lock their phones or other distracting devices inside for a set amount of time. It prevents access until the timer expires, with options to override only in specific cases using a code.
What is the ‘Fortress’ mode on the Mindsight timed lockbox?
-The 'Fortress' mode on the Mindsight timed lockbox is a strict setting where the lockbox cannot be opened, even using the override code, until the timer has fully run out. Emergency access requires contacting support.
What overall message does the speaker convey about managing distractions while writing?
-The speaker emphasizes the importance of minimizing distractions—especially digital ones—while writing. They encourage using tools and techniques like writing by hand, using distraction-free devices, timers, or apps to ensure focused writing sessions.
Outlines
📵 Managing Distractions: The Power of Paper and Digital Tools
In this paragraph, the speaker discusses the challenge of dealing with distractions while writing, particularly focusing on smartphones as the main culprit. They suggest starting with writing longhand in a notebook to minimize distractions, emphasizing its low cost and effectiveness for focus. For those who prefer typing, the speaker introduces devices like the Freewrite and the Freewrite Smart Typewriter, which are purpose-built for writing without the temptation of social media or other distractions. The Smart Typewriter offers a better typing experience with an improved e-ink screen and additional features like word count. The speaker also introduces the Pomodoro method, where a timer is set for short intervals of focused work, followed by breaks, helping to maintain concentration and productivity. This method, combined with leaving the phone in another room, helps maintain focus during writing sessions.
🔒 Locking Away Distractions: Timed Lock Boxes and Focus Apps
This paragraph focuses on more extreme but effective methods to combat distractions, such as apps and physical devices. The speaker introduces 'Freedom,' an app that blocks internet access for a set amount of time, allowing users to focus solely on writing. They explain how it can be scheduled for specific times of the day and used on both computers and phones. The speaker then presents the 'Mindsight Timed Lock Box,' a device that physically locks your phone away for a set period. It has various modes, including locking for minutes, hours, or even days, and can also be used with other distractions like cigarettes. A 'Fortress mode' adds an additional level of difficulty by disabling the option to unlock it using a code, with support available in emergencies. The speaker concludes by encouraging viewers to use whatever method is necessary to minimize distractions and focus on writing.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Distractions
💡Longhand writing
💡Freewrite
💡Pomodoro Method
💡Kitchen timer
💡Freedom app
💡Timed lock box
💡Konami Code
💡Fortress mode
💡Focus
Highlights
Locking your phone away can help reduce distractions while writing.
Using a timer like the Pomodoro method sets boundaries and gives you structured break times.
Writing longhand in a notebook can be a useful alternative to typing if you're easily distracted by devices.
The Freewrite Alpha offers a distraction-free writing experience, connecting to the cloud for saving files.
The Freewrite Smart Typewriter provides an upgraded writing experience with an e-ink screen and customization options.
The Pomodoro method suggests working for 25 minutes and taking a 5-minute break to maintain focus.
A kitchen timer is preferable over phone timers to avoid digital distractions.
The app 'Freedom' helps block internet access on computers and phones during specific times to prevent distractions.
You can schedule 'Freedom' to block internet access automatically at designated times each day.
The Mindsight Timed Lock Box offers a more extreme method of locking away your phone to eliminate distractions.
The Konami Code can unlock the Mindsight Lock Box for emergencies, or you can set a timer for automatic release.
The Mindsight Lock Box has a 'Fortress Mode' that prevents unlocking until the timer runs out, even with the Konami Code.
Freedom's free trial allows users to test its distraction-blocking features before committing to the service.
The Mindsight Lock Box can also be used for breaking other habits, like smoking, by locking items away for a set period.
Multiple tools exist to limit distractions during writing, from simple notebooks to advanced apps and devices.
Transcripts
do I really have to lock my phone in
this thing is that what it's come to
let's talk about distractions this is
the prime culprit right here I can't
have this anywhere near me while I'm
trying to write I can't be on my
computer either it's it's rough I kind
of need to get all my devices away so
what are the
options this is probably the simplest
one right long hand on a notebook a lot
of people have
trouble writing like this um you're not
used to doing it anymore and I get that
I don't do it so much anymore either but
if you feel like you need to try
something different I highly recommend
this this is like a dollar $2 you can
get these notebooks for next to
nothing take it somewhere far from your
computer far from your phone and just
write with a pen then you have to type
it in so
what are your other options if you don't
want to write like that you want to type
you have the free write this is the
alpha all it does is turn it
on
and push those buttons and you're ready
to start writing just start writing
that's it and then this will link to
through the cloud you can hook it up to
your Dropbox or you can plug it in to
your computer and copy the files that
way now you have text but you can't
check your email on this you can't go on
Facebook or Instagram on this definitely
can't make any Tik toks and it's just
going to let you
write this screen isn't the greatest
this keyboard you know there are better
options than this if you want an
upgrade get the smart
typewriter this thing is fantastic it
has an e in screen it shows how many
words you've written the time would take
to read that how many characters it
works just like the other one there's a
new
document it feels great to type on the
screen looks great you can change the
size here and make it brighter I have a
whole video on this thing if you want to
see that I'll link it up there but this
doesn't solve the problem of the phone
or just being distracted How can I
Focus I often set a timer I set this to
like 20 minutes and
just R for that amount of
time and I don't let myself do anything
else I just sit here right till the
timer's done then I can check my email
then I can check my phone then I can go
get a drink of water have a conversation
read the newspaper um whatever you want
to do Pomodoro method is the technical
term for this where you might do 25
minutes of work followed by 5 minute
break and then get back to work it works
for your mind
because you know when this timer is
done you get a break that's your break
time and then you know you have break
time so you use it because you know
you're going to get back to work after
that it really sets boundaries for or
what you're doing in that time period I
think it's great and I love using this
little kitchen timer as opposed to like
setting a timer on my phone because then
I'm tempted to check my phone and text
somebody or whatever um get the phone
out of here leave it in the other room
if you can't do this you want to type on
your computer you just need to like get
away from the internet you can obviously
turn your Wi-Fi off
but what if that's not enough there's an
app called Freedom that allows you to
set a timer it shuts off your internet
and it will not connect until your time
period is over if you try to go
somewhere on the internet this is all
you're going to see until your time
period is over you can set it to turn on
at a specific time each day like from
7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. you can't do
anything on your computer except WR
can't get on the internet
it's already turned on when you wake up
you can pick specific apps or you can do
everything you can set your schedule
like I said I have it turn on early in
the morning turn off at like 8 a.m. so I
can still check my email and stuff
before I go to work but before that if I
get to my computer all I can do is right
and they have it for the phone as well
you can turn on feed freedom on your
phone you can start a session you can
schedule it uh so that your phone is not
connected to the internet during
specific times or it won't let you open
certain apps so whichever works for you
give it a try it's really cheap um they
have a free trial and I find this to be
super helpful when like I need to be on
my computer but I need to not be able to
get to the internet but what if you have
like absolutely no willpower
then you need this this is the mindsight
timed lock box it's just what it sounds
like it's a lock box it's going to lock
and if you put your phone in
there and you hold down the button for 5
seconds it is locked I can't get it
out now all I can do is write yes a
little bit extreme perhaps but if you've
ever found yourself losing all your
writing time to scrolling on your phone
maybe it's not so extreme it has three
different modes you can do what I just
did and lock it in there for an
indefinite amount of time you can get it
out when you're done by typing the
Konami
Code on that little pad if you're uh you
know an old Nintendo player like me you
will have no trouble remembering up up
down down left right left right but
let's say you want to just set it for a
particular amount of time
um so you could set it for days and I
know they also advertise using this for
you know other things you might be
addicted to like put your cigarettes in
here you can't get to them we're not
going to do days you can do hours if you
want to put your phone away for an hour
or two
or minutes which you could use this as
like a Pomodoro Timer set it to 25
minutes and then uh we'll just set it to
five right now and then hold the button
down or sorry you just push the button
and now there's a countdown if I want to
boort that I just push any button and it
doesn't go through but if I wanted
to let's go back to doing just one
minute it's going to countdown in 12
seconds it will be locked and then it
will open itself up again after 1
minute I could still use that code to
open it during this time but it's you
know there we're locked now it's a
mental thing um I know that this is
going to open up in 53 seconds if I had
this next to me while I was
writing I know that I can get to my
phone when this is over that's going to
be my phone time for the next 5 minutes
or whatever I want to to be look at my
phone put it back in there set it for
another 25 minutes or whatever it is and
it's better than Focus mode it's better
than just Freedom maybe you can get away
with those things maybe you need
something a little more intense like
this if you do get it if you know
yourself and this is going to be the
only way you're going to keep from
scrolling then go for it whatever it
takes to get the words down am I right
so now we're open again
now there is a third level to this
there's this Fortress button that will
set the timer and the Konami Code will
not work it is locked this button will
turn on the Fortress there's no way to
get it unlocked until this timer is over
you can email support and they will get
back to you if it's an emergency it's
not going to be right away cuz
it's email support but that's an option
if you want to see more I did a whole
video on this thing done videos on the
Freer write devices and um if you have
any other suggestions for how to limit
your distractions put them in the
comments I'll add them to the list I can
always use more tools for that I know
you can too so let's stop watching
YouTube get to writing hit subscribe
there before you go uh before you turn
everything off and lock it away um
thanks a lot I'll see you in the next
one keep writing
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