Infinity Pools
What are they? And how you can prevent yourself from drowning in them
“Infinity pools are apps and other sources of endlessly replenishing content. They include social media (Instagram, LinkedIn), Video streaming (Netflix, YouTube) or even news channels & apps”
They’re called infinity pools as there is no end (bottom) to the amount of content on them. Every time we finish binge-watching a series on Netflix, sometimes clocking between 4–6 hours on a full workday, we find another series that Netflix’s incredible algorithm pushes on to us.
Some of the things I do to prevent myself from drowning in them:
1. Delete all infinity pools from my phone (social media, streaming and news apps). I deleted Instagram from my phone a few months ago. I found myself subconsciously trying to launch the app from where it was on my phone at least 50 times a day. While it was tough initially, in hindsight it was one of the best decisions I’ve made recently.
2. Turn off all notifications and badges on my phone for the few apps that I have. This way, I’m taking the power away from apps on my phone to grab my attention or break my workflow. If it’s so important, I will remember to open the app and check it myself.
3. Keep essential apps on another device: I use my iPad for all my news apps and limit time spent to 2–3 times a week. Breaking news is rarely ever consequential or something that will influence my current decisions. Weekly summaries & newsletters usually help condense all the biggest stories and save you lots of time.
4. Keeping my phone out of sight and ideally out of reach too: Typically, when I am studying or working, I leave my phone out of my direct line of sight, either behind me or hidden under a book. This is even more effective when I move my phone across the room. Going back to the old saying ‘Out of sight, out of mind’ really does help here. Also, the inability to access it without having to get up and walk across the room is a considerable self-deterrent.
5. Avoid checking my phone at the beginning of the day: I often don’t open emails, news etc. till about 9–10 am. This way, I could get focused work done in the mornings without having to think of what’s changed in the world since I went to bed.
6. Log out of all websites and close all tabs while working on a desktop: This prevents me from stumbling upon these open windows screaming for my attention, right in the middle of when I’m trying to get some work done.
7. Resist the urge to immediately reply to emails and/or clearing your inbox. If something was so urgent, it’s likely that it wasn’t sent over an email.
8. The Pomodoro clock: This is a technique where you breaks down large tasks into smaller intervals or sprints as I like to call them (usually 25 min). You do one sprint of focused work (no texts, no emails) and take a short (usually 5 min) break after each sprint. Post completing 2–4 sprints, you can take a slightly longer break (usually 15–30 min) to reply to some emails, make yourself a cup of coffee etc.
While the number of minutes of each sprint, short and long break might vary- this technique has been extremely helpful to me. There are also a lot of Pomodoro apps and browser extensions which you can install that block out web browsing and app launches during the sprints. I just use the simple timer on my iPad and exercise a small amount of self-control instead 🙂
Not all of these techniques will work for everyone. Each unique individual responds to a permutation of different techniques. And while these techniques can only push you that extra mile, the main element to staying afloat is still your self-restraint.
Thanks for making it to the end of this piece. I know there is no shortage of content out there and so you spending these few minutes here means the world to me.
I would love to hear back from you!
