Fill in the voids

We are absolutely pervaded by technology nowadays. The proliferation of smartphones, and readily accessible internet access has given rise to vast opportunities in multiple spheres. Put simply, decades and decades of research has finally culminated to a point where we have more computing power in the smartphone in our hands as compared to a supercomputer in the 1960s.

One would assume that a species which has been on the forefront of such advancement would be full of individuals who would be using this technology in ways that would take them further into the future. Yet, what is it that most people choose to do with their smartphones? Well, we all probably know the answer to that part.

So, I want to talk about using the power of our pocket sized supercomputers to “fill up the voids in our lives”. Whether it is standing in the queue at a grocery store, being stuck in traffic or simply being unable to focus on your work because you need a break, there are multiple instances of short time periods that pass by without any account or useful activity or engagement. We probably don’t even realize this, but cumulatively this time can be around 4 hours per week(In Bangalore’s traffic, this can stretch way beyond). 4 hours ! That’s a lot of wasted time!

There is an ocean of productivity apps on our App Stores, but these a few which I feel are worth exploring:

• Elevate: Brain Training Exercises. Helps to improve reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. And also Math.
• Duolingo: A language learning app with a large collection of languages to choose from.
• Headspace/Calm: Two guided meditation apps that help one calm down, and be aware of the present moment.
• Google Keep: Organising your lists, ranging from your idea lists and task lists to a collection of activities you plan to do in the future. You can even share your lists with friends, allowing collaboration.
• Inshorts: A 60-word news app to keep yourself up-to-date with latest happenings.
• TED: An amazing way to learn about a myriad of topics, from experts, for free.
• Blinkist: To-the-point summaries of multiple non-fiction books. Organised as flashcards, but can also be opted as audio.
• Audiobooks: Collection of millions of audiobooks, can be listened to while on the go.

These apps require a mere 5–10 minutes throughout the day and may come across as “void-filling”. However, if you eventually commit to using any of these apps everyday, even 5 minutes per day over a sustained period of time, then you would be able to see the improvement in yourself in terms of knowledge, commitment, integrity and discipline. How? Because building a habit is a task which requires some initial effort, and the ability to sustain that effort over a period of time. Start with any one app. Once that firmly becomes part of your routine, bring in the next one and try to fit it in your schedule. Keep the process going.

So along with improving your health, or becoming more peaceful, or learning a language, depending on the app you choose, you learn a lot of other skills that can be reflected in your work, especially patience and perseverance. We must continually strive to make the most of the facilities and assets available to us, whether that is in our job or our personal lives.

If you are able to improve yourself by 1% by only spending five minutes a day, you can improve yourself by 365% over the year. You may not even realize it at the time, but by the end of the year, you would have dedicated about 30 hours just to yourself, which is the best kind of investment one can make.

“Success is not about your resources. Its about how resourceful you are with what you have” — Anthony Robbins