Be inspired, and don't measure your success by how many boxes get checked off on a to-do list. Stop making to-do lists and start mapping out your day with how much time you will spend on each task you are committed to doing.

 

Technology is a tool that can help build healthy and lasting habits, according to author and consultant Nir Eyal (@NirEyal). Nir’s groundbreaking book Hooked is a guide to building products people use because they want to, not because they have to. In his new book Indistractable, Nir teaches from the intersection of psychology, technology, and business to lead us to what is possible if we follow through on our best intentions, stay focused, and overcome distractions. 

 

Nir Eyal (@Nir Eyal) writes, consults, and teaches about the intersection of psychology, technology, and business. A Graduate of Stanford School of Business and crusader for utilizing technology to build unique and healthy habits, Nir has written two books, Hooked and Indistratable. Both books are rooted in research and passion for the betterment of humanity. Nir lives in Singapore with his wife and daughter.

 

“Just because it's a work-related task, doesn't mean it's not a distraction.” 

- Nir Eyal

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• Real Distractions Begin Within: We tend to blame our phones, computers, kids, boss, and all external things like that. But studies find that external distractions are only 10% of what pulls us away from our focused tasks. The other 90% of our distractions are internal triggers. For example, if you overeat, often it is the internal distraction of a feeling—feelings like loneliness, boredom, shame, etc. Distractions begin from within.

 

• Addiction vs. Habit: Addiction is defined as a persistent compulsive dependency on a behavior or substance that harms the user. There is no such thing as a good addiction. By definition, addictions are destructive. Habits are defined as a settled or regular tendency or practice. We want good habits in our life. We all have good habits or bad habits. 

 

• All Products are Used to Modulate Mood: Apps and other products we use are designed to activate our internal triggers. Internal triggers are born from an uncomfortable emotional state we seek to escape. Boredom, loneliness, fatigue, desire, curiosity, and uncertainty is what habit-form