It’s not the device, it’s the content you choose to watch. Get rid of social media and reduce news media to a minimum. The best form of entertainment is content that teaches skills and improves your life.
It’s easy to get those apps back on. I deleted them 6 months ago, had to download some for a genuine reason. And here I am 6 months later looking at ditching my smartphone completely coz I’m on it too much. The time saving and education from a phone isn’t worth it if I’m spending 5-6 hours a day on it. I don’t want to have to deal with self control for such a highly addictive thing, I’d rather just not have it at all
Thanks Chris - it's really great to have a tech enthusiast's perspective on digital minimalism.... it makes me feel like, "well, if he can do it, so can I!" And your approach speaks to something that speaks louder and louder as I get older: it's not about extremes (all in or all out) but finding the right balance. This video has inspired me to think differently about what that balance might look like. Seeing the books that have been informing your journey makes me even more excited about the productivity course that's coming out... hurry up already with it!! :)
Man, you continue to produce incredible, thought-provoking videos and I just have to say I really appreciate you and all you are doing. I'm planning on implementing. a number of your suggestions. Thank you!
I got rid of social media a year and a half ago… for the first month i caught myself reaching for my phone to open social media..once I got used to it being gone - i stopped. Now that it’s gone, I dont miss it at all. What a time waster to worry about what other people are doing ….
Sitting here right now with a copy of Digital Minimalism that I received in the mail two days ago...while waiting for my new Apple Ultra that I ordered yesterday. And for the exact reasons you've described. And my name is Chris. Good on you. Subscribed.
I had an Apple Watch. Now I use a regular watch. My phone is in airplane mode most times. I check it for messages every two or three hours. Life is so much better for ME, those who try to get in touch with me, not so happy. My theory, they’re just electronics, they will never replace the life I waste by being on them.
I’m a security guard at a museum. And we are not allowed to use our phones on the gallery floor. So I rely on my Apple Watch reminders for scheduled post changes and an app called Day One to make a security logs and to make quick iMessages but my battery takes a hit. So I’m seriously considering getting a Apple Watch Ultra
Definitely something to think about. I’ve done this on vacation but not during my normal life, but I’ve often wondered if you could pair a watch with an iPad if that might be a better combination, iPads really need more intentionality to use. I also found moving my MFA to security keys helps, I don’t need my phone to unlock things, and getting a not pro, but still good point and shoot camera I can put in my pocket so I don’t feel obliged to carry my phone. I definitely need to think about putting the phone down more though, and this is a good reminder.
I am so happy for this video. Not only did it address my interest of using the AWUltra by itself, I love the way you present and share personal stories. I just discovered your channel and I’m loving everything. PS I use an iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard as my daily driver, don’t even own a laptop anymore, and while it’s great, I want to start my own RU-vid channel but not sure how I might manage it with just the iPad Pro. Any thoughts?
What i like about this take is that it's realistic. I don't want to remove my iPhone from my life -- i just want to see if i can be 2-3 hours away from it without feeling like the world is ending. Every other review tries to see if you can COMPLETELY replace your iphone with the watch, which isn't what most of us are trying. For me, i want to greatly reduce my screen time and stay focused on the moment/tasks/project/people i'm with. For example, going for a dinner. Can i leave my phone at home/car? Or going to the gym. Or writing at a coffee shop. Thanks for the video, you've addressed my point very well
I LOVE this video. I recently got hacked on Facebook and it resulted in my account getting deleted - it kicked me into the same gear you’re in. I removed most of my digital presence and my wife wonders what changed. It makes a world of difference when you don’t have that ball and chain - you have time to FIND or BE yourself.
I’m watching this in my phone 😂. But I do take calls on my watch. If I could afford the watch ultra I’d love it. I love audible. I remember more when I listen to books than when I read them. I’ve ditched soda for water and black coffee. I don’t need the sugar and cream/ milk. I also ditched fries.
Chris, thank you, I wish there were more content creators who were bold enough to say just this as well. The iPhone is a wonderful thing and I rely on it for many things, my sight included. It is my video magnifier which helps me read or to have things read to me. I simply which there was a way for me to really on the Apple Watch as well so I may ditch the the phone as well. Being visually impaired bigger is always better for me. One day I would love to get the Apple Watch Ultra not simply for my active lifestyle, but possibly being able to use the watch without voiceover and minimizing my use of magnifier.
I just can’t get past the part I spend to much time on my smartphone… so I’m going to buy the best newest smart watch. It’s like having too much stuff and then buying special stuff to organize the stuff that you don’t really need.
Love your vids Chris! So a year to date-have things changed? Have you been able to make this even better? Would love an update on this as I’m trying to incorporate something similar in my life while keeping my essentials on the AW!
This is exactly why I’m about to say goodbye to my watch 5 and getting a watch X with cellular. Got an iPhone 15 last month hoping it will last for years bc I’m not going to actively use it a lot
I’ve deleted Facebook and twitter off my new iPhone 15. It transferred over from my old phone when I set it up. I’ve left it on the old phone which still works on WiFi but I haven’t used it since.
I'm switching to an LTE Apple Watch in a couple weeks for many of the same reasons as you. Looking forward to doing life differently. Not enough videos like this... thank you for sharing!
Love this! aside the screen real estate and battery life - do you think you need the Ultra for this? I’m trying to ditch the phone but simply prefer the lower profile of the standard Apple Watch.
Man you sold me. This is probably the best most knowledgeable review I’ve seen on this watch and it’s been the stuff you’ve stated what this watch allows you to do more of as in terms of living your life at its best. The books were an added benefit of watching this bc I’ll check them out now .
very insightful video, i appreciate the deep dive and will definatly have take aways that i will personally implement to be a better version of myself.
Thinking about this stuff a lot more since I stopped drinking alcohol. Meaning off life stuff. I just ordered the ultra 2 and am surely gonna try this! Thanks for the video!!
I got the Apple Watch Ultra 2 , with digits, supposed to be connecting to my iPhone 14 Plus. Watch coming today, I think I will enjoy it better with just watch and will keep me off social media. Don’t know what digits is, it’s Tmobile. I’m paying by month for the watch and plan, I was hoping to just use watch on gps Bluetooth, but if cellular keeps me off of phone and only costs like 10 dollars extra a month I’m good with that. Thanks for your insight.
Thoroughly enjoyed this video Chris. We are on the same page with the digital detox…… love this video and will definitely check out the 4 books! Thanks for making this video ❤
This guy recommended so many books I swear I was going to be broke. Fun tip, before you purchase any books to read look for the title of the book on RU-vid and end it with audiobook you might find some of them
Dear friends, I'm writing something general about the battery of the cell phones in Apple. I think that the Apples are very good, but they can make a battery for a longer time because if in an Ultra watch they know how to make it last for two or three days, then even in a cell phone that we work with all day, they can make a battery for several days and not only For a few hours, I think it's something that is legitimate to ask for, especially because of our need to work with our phones, take pictures, do work related to writing, and all kinds of other things. It's important that the battery works as long as possible without interruption and without the need for charging. Thank you
So I bought 2 watches Ultra cellular 4 days ago and very disappointed I'm getting a call fail if someone call me and both Phone and Watch are close by then i walk away leaving the phone away and talking on the watch after reaching some distance when the phone and watch get disconnected from Bluetooth I'm getting a call fail until the watch start using his data apple and my carrier ATT telling me watch shouldn't be working like that but no one give me a solution I'm returning both watch next week if no one resolve this problem apparently happening to everyone just not all people are aware about this issue any tips or help? Thanks
As much as I wanted to have something like the apple watch as my only device, I do have a photography business that makes my phone necessary and easier to handle. Signing pdfs, and quick editing photos, and excel spreadsheets on the go is much easier on the phone, and I'm sure it's near impossible to do on a watch. I stay away from social media, unless I post for my business on Instagram.
I agree with you 100% regarding the way to use the watch and eliminating distractions. Great videos, always give us something to think about, or several things in terms of the benefits of these apps with real life application.
question just got the ultra. have had it for 3 days now. get about 20hrs of battery life. run every morning streaming music. AOD on, sleep with it, do a 30 min walk mid day, 20 minute apple watch fitness work out at night. How are u getting multiple days?
How do people even have time to get distracted by their phones and social media and notifications and what not all day? Doesn't your job or school keep you on your toes for 10-12 hours every day? I wish I had the luxury or the need to keep an expensive watch on my wrist, the phone in the other room and read self help books from 8 to 8 on most days. Happy that it's an option for you, though!
My NYE resolution for 23 is to delete Instagram/Twitter apps from my iPhone (I have done this in the last few days but I intend to keep them deleted) I have realised it’s time you just never get back. Here’s to a more productive 2023!
Do I have to enable the cellular feature on the ultra? I know, "why get the ultra then?" I want to be able to use it later. But for now, since I don't want additional monthly fees on my cellular, plan, I want to be able to still use it sync'd to my phone without using cellular. I am guessing I can use it without cellular, just wanted to make sure. Thanks.
Sorry off the cuff thought but, I like the hair product you use in this clip and I am curious. What do you use? Also what kind of Watch band are you using for ultra watch in this video?
When they make a smaller size of the Ultra for a womens smaller wrist, then maybe I would consider this. However, when I tried it on at the shop, the face of the watch extended beyond my wrist. If I am hiking I do not want something that chunky on my wrist. So please use your influence with Apple and tell them that building something by men for men is a bad policy when over 50% of the population is female
I'm a woman, and I have the Ultra. It's my first Apple Watch ever and I absolutely love it. My wrist is average-sized for a woman. maybe even on the small side, and on me the watch looks absolutely gigantic--but that's the look I was going for. The regular 8 was nice, even in the larger 45 mm size (and the smaller one was too small), but in the end, I wanted the extra fraction of screen real estate of the Ultra, and I couldn't be happier! Go big or go home, right?
@@dree2295 I have a small wrist, I mean I was measured by a jeweler at 6.25. A 12 year old girl has a wrist about my size. so I find that I should like something gigantic on my wrist may work for you, but you should not force your opinion onto others. So I will not go big or go home
I’ve been there. You tell yourself stories to justly buying an expensive watch. After a month you find yourself going back to the phone and paying for both. Not everyone is a RU-vidr and can deduct these devices as business expense. What is the true purpose of this video?
Great job Sir! I use my iPhone at work to take pictures (my job) and would rather it stayed in another room when I'm home. I'm fixing to buy an Ultra this coming week and have really appreciated your thoughts, tips, and tricks. Thanks again for a great piece.
Very important message. Thanks. I quit all social media each Lent and I always get increased productivity and gratitude for the amazing devices we have in our lives and our connectedness. Rather than updating my iPhone I’m going to give this a try…maybe wait till the Ultra 2 tho……