3 WAYS TO MAKE TECHNOLOGY WORK FOR YOU...and Not the Other Way Around

Your phone is your gateway to the world—but that’s both a blessing and a curse. Unlimited access to information can empower you but also overwhelm you.

The real challenge isn’t the technology itself; it’s how you choose to use it. If you’re not intentional, your devices will control you instead of the other way around.

The Problem: Information Overload

COVID-19 amplified an already growing issue—information overload. During lockdowns, people turned to their devices for updates, but as time went on, clarity gave way to confusion. Competing narratives, hyper-partisan commentary, and endless notifications made informed decision-making harder than ever.

And here’s the thing: when you lose the ability to make informed decisions, you let someone else dictate your future.

It’s time to set the terms of your relationship with technology. Here are three ways to make sure your tools work for you—not against you:

1. Silence Notifications

Notifications are distractions disguised as urgency. Every ping pulls your attention away from what matters most. Turn them off. Ask yourself: Do I really need to know every time someone comments on a post or when breaking news hits?

Most notifications are unimportant and unactionable, interrupting your focus and stealing your productivity. To regain control, use “Do Not Disturb” or silent mode.

2. Be Intentional

Mindless scrolling is a habit that costs you time and clarity. Before picking up your phone or opening your laptop, ask yourself: Why am I doing this?

If you don’t have a clear purpose—whether it’s sending an email, researching something specific, or responding to a message—then stop. Intentionality ensures that technology serves your goals instead of feeding mindless behavior.

3. Remember Technology Is Just a Tool

Technology doesn’t create the future—you do. A hammer doesn’t build a shed; it requires human intention to be useful. The same goes for artificial intelligence or any other advanced tool—it’s only as valuable as the purpose you assign it.

Set boundaries around how and when you use technology. You don’t have to be accessible 24/7 or glued to your screen.

Set boundaries around how and when you use technology. You don’t have to be accessible 24/7 or glued to your screen.

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TAKE Action 

You have the power to define how technology fits into your life.

• Silence distractions

• Act with purpose

• Use tools for what they are—tools.

Start setting your own “terms of service” today so that your devices serve you and not the other way around.

Stop reacting; start leading.

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