Sometimes Failing Is Okay

Hi, I am back with another interesting topic that I discovered unknowingly.

After spending way too much time scrolling on my phone, I challenged myself to use my mobile only as a landline (only 90’s kids will understand 😄). I gave it my best shot for more than a month — precisely six weeks — but I failed terribly.

Today’s blog was meant to be about how anyone can use their mobile like a landline. But here I am, writing something completely different.

Week 8 Screen Time Summary

During the 1st week, my screen time was actually higher than before. It felt like my mind just couldn’t accept the fact that I wasn’t supposed to use my phone. It was a complete disaster. In the 2nd week, I decided to limit my phone usage to 5 hours a day. Once my 5 hours were over, I wouldn’t touch my phone for the rest of the day. But here’s the catch — I ended up using my phone continuously for five hours. Later in the afternoon, someone would call or text me, and after that I would somehow continue using my phone for another one or two hours. By the 3rd week, I came up with a new idea. I wouldn’t use my phone unless someone called or texted me. The problem was, once I unlocked it, I would still end up using it for another hour.

By the 4th week, something started to change. I noticed I had a little more control over my hands automatically reaching for my phone. It wasn’t perfect, but it was definitely getting better. By the 5th week, I managed to bring my screen time down to around four hours. I also started tracking exactly how many minutes I spent on my phone every day. By the end of the 6th week, I had reduced it to around three hours.

The miracle part, I finished reading a 300-page book in just one week. Normally, it takes me a month or even longer to finish a book. Reading 300 pages in a week felt like a huge success for me.

Yes, I failed my original challenge. But I gained something I never expected. Sometimes, when you’re focusing on achieving one goal and you fail, try changing your viewing angle. You might discover an unexpected success that you never planned for.

With that thought, I am signing off today. Until then, enjoy every small step you take toward your goals.