2019: A Deliberate Year
This year I’ve set a resolution to be more deliberate in my actions especially online. And this is what that looks like for me:
Consider the information I’m sharing and who I’m sharing it with.
As a software developer, I let my guard down a lot more than most of my peers:
- I use a password manager, but I still get lazy and use the same password for different things.
- I rarely use VPNs or 2 factor authentication.
- I put basically all of my information into the hands of one massive corporation (Google).
- I literally created a website to share some of my intimate details – updated regularly.
Other than that last point, I don’t sound that different from the average person. Anecdotally, almost all of my friends who are outside of the tech world behave in this same manor.
Consider my average day and what time I’m devoting to what.
In 2019, I think most people can relate to being too attached to a screen. I think I use my phone less than the average person, but I still use it a lot. I often look back and consider how much I could have achieved if I wasn’t scrolling through Reddit or the news. Long ago I kicked my Facebook addition, but I constantly supplemented it for other things.
A lot of this second point is to simply drop my phone (which I did, more on that in another post) but it’s also more general. I started using an app called Headspace to do meditations. It’s been really nice, especially during stressful times, but I’m terrible at using it on a regular basis. Anyways, the big take away from meditation is regularly being mindful.
Tying it all together, being deliberate means being mindful of my actions online and off.
- Considering if the form I’m typing into will benefit me or cost me in the long run.
- Considering if the thing I’m doing right now is keeping me from something that will fill me with joy and accomplishment.
More articles to follow.