Hey Steph

In a world that runs on the currency of attention, how do we reclaim control over our time, thoughts, and mental load? In this episode, I’m diving into my recent reflections on digital overwhelm, distraction, and the way our online habits are affecting our ability to think deeply and live fully.

I share my personal struggles with overstimulation, mental fragmentation, and the pull of the attention economy, as well as the steps I’m taking to "unhook" myself from constant distraction and refocus on what truly matters. From pruning my digital habits to rediscovering the joy of physical books, I’m experimenting with stepping out of my online life and into my real life—and it feels pretty good so far.

If you’ve been feeling frazzled, restless, or disconnected, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. The Attention Economy: How online platforms are designed to hook us, and why this constant demand for attention leaves us overwhelmed and anxious.
2. Signs of Digital Overload: Forgetfulness, restlessness, and the feeling that there’s always "something else" you should be doing.
3. Reclaiming Control: The changes I’m making to unsubscribe, unfollow, and simplify my digital habits.
4. Creating Space for a Deep Life: Why I’m focusing on creating over consuming, and how I’m rediscovering joy in slower, more intentional pursuits like reading physical books.
5. Why It’s Not About Abandoning the Internet: This isn’t about quitting technology but about using it in a way that aligns with the life I want to live.

Resources Mentioned:

• Books:
  • Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald
  • Deep Work by Cal Newport
  • Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport
  • Slow Productivity by Cal Newport
• App Recommendation:
  • Opal (not sponsored, but highly recommended for managing screen time).
• Podcast Mentioned:
  • The Effort Lab, a passion project podcast I’ve started with my sister Lindsay.

I’m not abandoning the internet, but I’m choosing to step back and reassess how I use it. This is about becoming a wise steward of the limited time we have each day and stepping more fully into our real lives. If you’re feeling the pull to unhook and simplify, I hope this episode inspires you to take small, intentional steps toward reclaiming your time and mental clarity.

Connect with Me:

• Instagram: @heystephwebb

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