In 2021, I came across a book that completely reshaped how I think about productivity, social media, and purpose: Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of how modern-day distractions masquerade as busyness, keeping us from what truly matters. Newport emphasizes that being overly busy is rarely meaningful—it’s often just noise we create to avoid stillness. And yet, so many of us fall into the trap, equating busyness with effectiveness.
Think about it: how often do we fill our calendars and social media feeds with “stuff” just to feel productive? We run from one task to another, driven by a need to avoid boredom or discomfort, instead of pausing to focus on what really matters. We’ve all been there—grabbing at shiny distractions the moment we feel idle, scrolling aimlessly, or overloading our schedules just to feel like we’re doing something. But here’s the catch: in the rush, we miss the beauty and peace found in simply being.
Our obsession with busyness blinds us. It pushes us into a constant state of “hurry” and “worry,” always chasing the next thing, always feeling behind. But does any of it actually help us move closer to our goals? Or are we just running in circles, tricking ourselves into believing that motion equals progress?
Here’s what really hit me: It is important for us to reconsider how we spend our time and to reclaim our attention for the things that matter. Busyness for the sake of busyness won’t lead to fulfillment. Intentionality, however, will. It’s about choosing to focus on what adds value to your life and having the courage to let go of the rest.
It’s my hope that after reading this, you’ll pause to reflect on how you’re spending your time. Are you moving with purpose, or just keeping busy? Let’s all aim to be more intentional, less distracted, and more focused on what truly matters. Life is too precious to waste on unnecessary busyness.
Evans Akpo 