Weekly review cw 42

After a parents' evening for the ninth grade, we were sitting comfortably together at the breakfast table over the weekend. A good moment to address sensitive topics. In this case, it was about cell phones in school. More specifically, unauthorized use. There are phases of independent work in which students are also expected to research using their cell phones or tablets. However, playing Clash Royale doesn't fall into these tasks; instead, it belongs to a different category: unauthorized usage.

In the course of discussing the pros and cons of cell phones in school, we reached the point where the conversation centered on addiction and the (too) close connection to the devices. From that moment on, I lost the teenager in the conversation. It was no longer about listening, understanding, or discussing. They blocked out the conversation and seized the next opportunity to leave the breakfast table. So, I approached it the wrong way. A different perspective on the topic is needed to philosophize about distraction.

Laser Focus

Speaking of distraction. I'm highly distracted at the moment of writing this. A client project has been given a significantly earlier deadline due to external factors. On top of that, I have to slow down due to health reasons—a miserable combination. The lack of time and capacity raises the question of what can be completed and in what form. To ensure this, it's essential to focus entirely on this work and put other topics on hold for the time being.

The classic reaction in such a situation is to work more—more days and more hours per day. Fortunately, I've reached a point where I know: This approach doesn't work, at least not in the long term, and certainly not in the combination of more days and more hours per day.

It's essential to identify which features are truly central to delivery. It's logical, actually. Which building blocks represent the core value and are necessary for going live? Without the time constraints, I might not have asked some of the good questions. Because, despite the unpleasant pressure, the insights are essential for the product.

This isn't a new experience. But it's good to be reminded of it again. What can be eliminated without compromising the product's purpose? Take what's left and implement it excellently.

Second attempt with a new perspective

Many teenagers go to the gym these days. It goes so far that they create nutrition plans, consciously avoid sweets, and complete their workouts despite all adversities. So far, so strong. That's the perfect hook.

I took the trouble to address the cell phone addiction discussion from this perspective and asked how such a workout works. Of course, headphones in and the phone at hand – playing music with a music app. During training, of course, focus entirely on the exercise. No distractions, just a fixed training plan with short breaks, several sets, and repetitions that make it clear how the training is progressing.

If it worked that way, everything would be fine. But then the phone buzzes – a message—a quick reply. The nearest fitness machine is occupied. A break like this is long and tedious – bang, open the social media app and start scrolling. The workout isn't nearly as intense as planned. The focus isn't on yourself and your body. Because that's unfortunately the way it is with attention: where it is, life happens.

The change in perspective resulted in astonishing insight. One's own behavior isn't consistent with one's own goals. This led to a self-awareness that explained why, after some workouts, they felt enormous dissatisfaction: mainly, when the workout was interrupted by intensive cell phone use. This achieved everything I wanted to initiate: reflecting on usage behavior and its impact on a limited resource: attention. In my view, it is the second most important resource after (life) time itself.

When I want to get others to reflect, it always results in looking at myself. For example, I deleted the Bluesky app, only to find myself scrolling through the Bluesky feed using the browser, which I couldn't delete. Not good at all. On the other side, deleting the YouTube app did the trick. Mindless watching of quite funny YouTube shorts is no longer a waste of time—at least it's a form of progress.