In a world where technology is increasingly conspiring to steal our focus and attention, my goal is to teach you how to be more productive with Apple technology. I want to help you achieve what is most important to you and enjoy your life at the same time using technology instead of becoming another one of its victims. Pretty much everything I make points at that North Star. I believe in this message so much that I’ve staked my livelihood on it.
Sparky's Case for Focus Modes (And a Short Poll)
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Hi friend, One of the best features Apple has added in recent years is Focus Modes. I use them every day across all my devices, and they have become an essential part of how I manage my attention, my work, and even my personal life. At its core, a Focus Mode is a filter between you and the rest of the world. Instead of being bombarded with every notification, email, or message the moment it arrives, Focus Modes let you decide what gets through based on what you're doing. They are powerful and easy to automate, so you don't have to think about it. My Favorite Focus ModesI have the usual Work and Personal modes, but I also get more specific:
Automating Focus ModesYou can turn Focus Modes on manually (I usually do it from my Apple Watch), but you can also automate them. In addition to location (like the way I turn on My Disneyland mode), you could also trigger Focus Modes by time of day, when you open certain apps, or even based on whether you're at home or work. More Than Just SilenceWhat I love about Focus Modes is that they don't just filter notifications. They also change my device's environment:
The Biggest Mistake with Focus ModesMost people don't use them. Maybe they seem complicated, or maybe they feel like too much work to set up. But here's the thing: you don't have to get them perfect from the start. Start with a simple one (like a Work or Personal mode), see how it feels, and tweak it over time. If you're not using Focus Modes yet, give them a shot. I think you'll be surprised at how much more in control you feel. Also, we recently did an episode of the Mac Power Users on Focus Modes where I explain my Focus Mode strategies in more detail. I'm trying to get my arms around how many folks are using Focus Modes. If you have time, could you please fill out this poll on the topic? If you’ve got more thoughts on Focus Modes, the poll also includes an optional open question. I’d love to hear what you think. David |
David Sparks (MacSparky)
In a world where technology is increasingly conspiring to steal our focus and attention, my goal is to teach you how to be more productive with Apple technology. I want to help you achieve what is most important to you and enjoy your life at the same time using technology instead of becoming another one of its victims. Pretty much everything I make points at that North Star. I believe in this message so much that I’ve staked my livelihood on it.
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Hi Friend, Recently, we had a family celebration. The reason is irrelevant, but the means of our celebration was our usual. We went to Disneyland. We’re fortunate to live close, and two of the four members of my immediate family work for Mickey. So, we went to “the park,” where we shared a meal at a restaurant, rode the Pirates of the Caribbean, shared a delicious cookie, and stretched our legs by walking through the park before heading home. It was delightful. While eating our meal, there...