I’m going on day 4 of using my iPhone as just a phone and texting device. There are no other social media apps, games, or “productivity” apps on it at all now. I’ve been even limiting how much I use it for photos or video. This is all done for two reasons; one is to prepare myself to start using the Light Phone 2 – which I plan on getting – and the second is to take another step toward my larger goal of living a simpler, more satisfying life.
So last night I’m lying in bed, awake, thinking. I’m lying there quiet a while. I was there long enough that the habit of picking up my phone to check Facebook or Instagram or my email kicked in. That was expected and I was ready for it. What I wasn’t ready for, however, was that I then considered getting out of bed to go to my computer to check Facebook, etc.
I honestly had to laugh at myself. This feeling, or inclination, sprung automatically to the surface when my conscious mind knew that I couldn’t “check my phone.” The idea felt so natural to get up and check my computer. It actually gave me a feeling of nostalgia… for “the good old days” (a few years ago) when that would’ve been what I did.
The realization that underneath the habit of “checking my phone” that I had stood on for so long there waited another habit of “checking my computer” was, while amusing, also a bit startling.
What are the habits that are underneath your habits? It’s surprising to see what’s buried when you start unpacking.