While there is a great deal of buzz about living “unplugged,” I’ll admit I’m more plugged in than I should be.
Much of my work day is spent at a computer. Much of my time at home is spent continuing work. Some of the rest of my home time is spent watching programs on a TV or computer, and other time is spent consuming on social media.
For me, being “unplugged” is not having an electronic device on. Not even listening to music. No headset. Maybe the phone is in my pocket, but I have made a conscious decision to turn off even the vibrate and to just be in the moment rather than worrying about where the next electronic distraction might come from.
No matter what I have on my plate, one time of day I am consistently unplugged: when I run. I run five or six days for a total of about 6 hours per week. This time away from technology is characterized by six major activities, each beneficial in their own way:
1. Thinking clearly. Running unplugged has very few distractions (other than traffic). Having few distractions gives me an opportunity to think in detail for an extended time about one topic. That does not happen often when I am plugged in.
2. Sorting through ideas. While running is not a time to write a list of pros and cons, having hours of undistracted time gives me the opportunity to consider and weigh all sides of an issue.
3. Developing new ideas. Some new ideas are expressed through creative writing—poems about cloud formations, out of place seagulls and striking sunrises—each tied to a bigger lesson. Others are what I hope will be the next great idea at my job—new organizational structures, courses, programs, or co-curricular activities. All require undistracted time to develop.
4. Being more prepared for important conversations. I find value in thinking through conversations and anticipating what my conversational partner might say. With no distractions, I can rehearse multiple scenarios and be better prepared for work or personal situations later in the day.
5. Letting go of frustrations. Sometimes I just think things out. Other times, being unplugged provides me the opportunity to focus entirely on running and put all my energy into the strides I take. Maximizing my speed for a moderate distance allows me to leave my frustration on the ground in every step rather than keeping it inside me while I am plugged in without the time to release.
6. Holding deep conversations with friends or mentees. Some of my deepest friendships and mentoring experiences occur through running when I put everything else aside for one hour, spend time with usually just one person, and focus solely on them. I’ve been a confidant listening to work and relationship issues. I’ve relearned to appreciate baseball and learned to discuss football. After running with one person week after week for more than four years, this friendship has resulted in yet more unplugged time even away from running. Time spent watching sports or my sons’ activities or cooking together. Time spent celebrating non-running accomplishments like graduation, or being sworn into the state bar. Deep friendships become like family.
Not everyone runs. However, all of us have the opportunity to unplug; many can unplug more. My life has been amazingly enriched by committing to five or six unplugged hours a week. Everyone should give it a try. Make it a point to set down the phone—or at least turn it off. Step away from the computer. Put away all electronics—including radio and television. And set aside even one hour more a week (could just be a few minutes each day) to read or write or talk or just sit and think. It has the potential to be life changing.
Kevin Frick is the Vice Dean for Education at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. He has been an avid runner for the past 11 years – participating in 9 marathons (including Boston in 2013) and one 55 mile ultra marathon in South Africa. He has spoken about mentoring to the Carey Women in Business student association and for TEDx JHU DC. You can follow his personal blog where many of his poems appear as well as his professional blog.
