Digital Detox for Decisions: Why the Most Important Founder Choices Should Be Made Offline
Hey there! Welcome back to Founder Mode!
This week, I want to dive into a big lesson I’ve learned—digital detox. A break from technology can lead to better business choices. We, as founders, stay connected all the time. We use email, Slack, messages, meetings, and more. There always seems to be something vying for our attention. What if stepping away helps us think better and make smarter choices?
I’ve noticed that being always online doesn’t always lead to the best results. I believe I would have made better choices if I had taken time to think clearly.
Testing the Resilience of Your Systems
Here’s a challenge for you: Can you take 5 days off, or even 7 if you include the weekend? Try not to touch anything—no laptop, phone, or email. Can your business run smoothly without you?
I’ll be honest: I definitely can’t pass this test today, but it’s something I’m working towards. The reason I bring this up is that it’s a great test of how resilient your systems are. If you can leave for a while and everything runs smoothly, you have good processes set up.
We’ve tested this internally at different times, where I didn’t do email for a week. It was a “no email for a week” challenge. That week, I just looked at email summaries. I looked over the items my Athena EA's brought up. I focused on what absolutely needed my attention. The goal wasn’t to ignore everything, but to see how well our triaging systems worked.
What I found was fascinating. By not reacting to every ping or notification, I can focus on the bigger picture. This helps me make more strategic decisions. I was surprised by how many issues the team managed without my help. They managed everything well. This proved how effective they were.
The Strength of Taking a Break to Improve Decisions
It’s easy to get lost in the daily grind of email, meetings, and the constant flow of information. When technology becomes too much, it’s harder to make good choices. Digital distractions can make us react instead of plan. It's like driving with all the windows down. You fight the noise and wind instead of focusing on the road.
But when you disconnect and take a step back, your brain has the space to focus on what’s important. Here’s how I think about it:
- Less noise means better focus: With fewer interruptions, you can focus better on what’s best for the business.
- Clearer priorities: Take away distractions. This helps you focus on the big decisions that truly matter.
- Recharging creativity: Taking a break can bring new ideas and fresh views. This often helps you find better solutions when you return.
The most important decisions I’ve made often came after a few days of reflection. Taking a break from the noise helps you see your business in a new light. You can spot solutions you might miss while busy with daily tasks.
Why It’s Important to Build Systems that Work Without You
I know that not every founder has the luxury of stepping away for a week. Stepping away from emails and messages for a few hours can reveal how well your systems and processes work.
Your business systems must run well on their own. Design smooth processes that run on their own. This way, you can take a break and relax, knowing your business is well-managed.
This is why I think a digital detox can be a great test. It forces you to see how well your systems hold up when you step away. It shows what’s working well and where we need to improve.
"We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them."
- Albert Einstein
This is a call to clear our minds, which a digital detox can help facilitate, allowing us to approach problems with fresh perspectives and better decision-making.
Key Takeaways
- Digital detox is key for founders. It helps them step back and think clearly, away from distractions.
- Taking a break from tech lets you think more strategically. Focus on key ideas. Ignore notifications.
- Seeing how your business operates without your daily input is a smart way to check your systems.
- Taking a break for just a few days helps you recharge. This can lead to clearer priorities and better decisions.
- Resilient systems are vital. You can take breaks and unplug. This won't hurt your business.
Final Thoughts
As founders, we often think we must stay connected all the time. This is key to running our businesses smoothly. I've learned that the best decisions happen when we take time to think. We need some quiet space, away from all the emails and notifications.
When you feel overwhelmed, try taking a few days off. Go for a walk, spend time with family, or enjoy some quiet time. It might seem risky, but when you come back, you'll notice a clearer mind. Your choices will be better, and your business will run well on its own.
Start small with just a few hours offline and see how your systems hold up. After you try a digital detox, you may see that taking a break can help you be more effective later on.
See you on Friday,
-kevin
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