# Transforming My Life: Insights from a 14-Day Experiment
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Chapter 1: Embracing Intentional Living
Living a life with purpose is something I cherish deeply. It means making deliberate choices rather than allowing life to just happen to me. Yet, simply wishing for a more intentional existence isn’t enough. For example, I can dream of immense wealth, but wishing alone won’t magically bring it to me—unless I meet a billionaire straight out of a romance novel!
Recently, I embarked on an intriguing experiment that was intended to last a week but stretched to 14 days. Can you guess what it was? I decided to grant myself unrestricted access to social media, using my phone freely at all hours, including right before bedtime and upon waking. In essence, I placed no limits on my mobile usage.
You might think, "What’s the big deal?" After all, we are adults with our own devices. But I tend to be quite strict with myself, often acting as my own harshest critic. I usually keep a close watch on my screen time to ensure I don’t lose track of reality or what truly matters.
This time, however, I decided to liberate myself. I believed I had a disinterest in social media, convinced I would easily dominate this challenge. But to my surprise...
I was quite mistaken. It’s amusing how we often overestimate our own wisdom while underestimating our susceptibility to our own habits.
During this experiment, my screen time surged by a staggering 31%. Surprisingly, I discovered that my aversion to social media was more a façade than reality; I found myself engrossed in endless reels on Instagram.
My morning routine usually involves not touching my phone for the first hour, dedicating that time to reading before I turn it off by 9 PM. However, during this trial, I found myself scrolling through social media for at least an hour immediately after showering, often before planning my day. This led to a feeling that working was more of a chore than a passion.
How did this affect my productivity? I released my book on February 5th, but since then, I’ve struggled to re-engage with my second book, which I had previously been excited about.
Why am I sharing this? There are moments when we’re driven to work hard and realize our dreams. We can visualize ourselves achieving our goals, yet something seems to hinder us from taking action. Instead, we often resort to mindless scrolling or binge-watching shows as a way to escape feelings of guilt.
This pattern can trap us, leading us to question the validity of our aspirations or our own capabilities. From my experience, I believe the issue lies in our brain craving cheap entertainment, making it seem essential for survival.
It’s not as though I was entirely absent from social media before this experiment; it’s a part of my profession. However, I was typically mindful of the content I engaged with and the duration of my usage.
The reality is that unmoderated entertainment can be incredibly addictive, drawing our focus away from what truly matters.
In fact, I've found myself crafting excuses: "I’m just exploring trending content on Instagram to create something similar for greater reach," or "I’m taking a break because I’ve worked hard." How pathetic is that? I know I should limit my social media use, yet I continue to make excuses to quiet my conscience.
This experience reflects a common struggle. Many people become so engrossed in social media that they start deceiving themselves.
I wouldn’t advise complete abstinence from social media, as there are valuable sources of inspiration. However, the overwhelming amount of negative content can cloud your mind, diminishing your ability to think critically.
I've noticed a decline in my work quality, possibly due to my focus being diluted by consuming low-value content. The adage "garbage in, garbage out" rings true.
What Did I Learn?
I feel like a mentor, reminding you to be intentional with your phone usage. Without this mindfulness, you may find yourself drifting through life, regretting missed opportunities while feeling trapped in a cycle of social media addiction. Your life is in your control. You must strive for greater intentionality.
I once thought I was impervious to the distractions of cheap entertainment. Yet, here I am, as easily swayed by social media as a child lured by candy.
The key takeaway is that slipping back into old habits is alarmingly simple. Social media platforms are designed to capture our attention, as they profit from it. However, it’s crucial to realize that your attention also constitutes your life.
Thus, choose to be deliberate in your actions. Monitor yourself as a parent would. And remember, it’s easier to regress than you think; remaining vigilant and strong is essential.
The Shift in My Habits
Previously, I dedicated at least an hour to reading before bed, which allowed me to read two books effortlessly each month. However, the endless scrolling replaced that habit, and I haven’t finished a single book since. I even resorted to listening to podcasts, convincing myself that I was being productive.
Who was I kidding? Am I the only one who does this? Scrolling through social media is undeniably more captivating than reading. (The book lover in me is cringing!)
Social media doesn’t just distract; it diminishes our desire to learn. The more time you spend on these platforms, the shorter your attention span becomes, making it harder to absorb new information. Scientifically speaking, if you don’t engage your brain with fresh knowledge and critical thinking, it can age faster than your chronological age. So, ask yourself: Does the age of your brain align with your age on your driver's license?
Reading used to be a source of joy for me. Now, I must relearn the patience to savor one page at a time. Social media erodes our patience, as everything moves at a rapid pace online compared to real life. This fast-paced environment can be detrimental, especially for those in creative fields, where patience is often more crucial than skill.
What Actions Can You Take?
If you feel a lack of patience like I do, I suggest immersing yourself in a new skill that requires time and effort. For instance, my goal this year is to tackle larger books. As they demand more time, I hope to cultivate greater patience. I also plan to learn how to create handmade bags.
The choice is yours. I’m not asking you to abandon your work; rather, consider replacing social media with a new skill that can occupy your mind and provide a healthier source of entertainment. Whether it's painting, dancing, or any hobby you've longed to pursue, make the time for it.
Conclusion
I believe I’ve shared enough for now. It’s your turn to put these insights into action. I’m returning to my reading; currently, I'm delving into ‘A Little Life,’ a hefty 720-page book. I’ll keep you posted on my progress (hopefully before I enter motherhood… lol).
The first video titled "My YouTube Experiment" shares practical insights about engaging with social media mindfully and reflects on personal experiences similar to mine.
The second video, "Experiment: 12 Shorts in 8 Days | What Did I Learn?" discusses the impact of short-form content on attention spans and productivity, resonating with the themes of this experiment.