WWDC 2023: A Different Experience for Me

#### Adapting to My Tech "Blackout"

Prior to diving deeper, I want to highlight some key points from my previous WWDC reflections that I wish to elaborate on. These excerpts from my article WWDC 2023: A Different Experience for Me pertain to my transition towards a more mindful relationship with technology at the beginning of 2023:

“After establishing my 2023 theme of Systems (rather than Tools), a significant goal of mine was to curb my tech obsession. I don’t mean to exaggerate; if you’ve read my posts from last year, you’d recognize my constant indecision regarding my setup.”

“I take full accountability for my obsessive tendencies over the years. While it may seem harsh, I’ve come to realize that I was upgrading my devices not out of necessity, but desire.”

“This behavior has resulted in financial losses from reselling items and an enormous waste of time. Not just from buying and reselling, but also from spending endless hours scrolling through stores and blogs, deliberating on what I needed next.”

“Although some of my best content originated from experimenting with various gadgets, the time and money spent didn’t justify the returns. After six months of using only what I already own, I feel more content and at peace with my tech.”

“A significant turning point was uninstalling my preferred podcast app, Overcast. I had been subscribed to around 15-20 tech podcasts, which I abruptly stopped listening to at the end of December 2022. Initially, it was challenging and I experienced some FOMO from not being updated on tech news, but I recognized the need for change to curb my obsession.”

“I genuinely enjoy technology, but to cleanse myself, I realized I needed a complete reset. So far, this approach has been beneficial. I’ve stuck with the same laptop I purchased over six months ago and, although I did buy a new tablet, it was a genuine necessity, not just a want.”

Since penning those reflections a couple of weeks ago, I’ve found myself feeling even more positive about my relationship with technology. There are still moments when I consider upgrading my aging MacBook Pro, but the compulsive desire that once dominated my thoughts has significantly lessened.

For instance, my best friend recently invited me to collaborate on a start-up focused on podcasting. I’ll be responsible for recording, editing audio, and potentially creating a website and app for our product. While discussing this, I found myself worrying whether my 2017 MacBook Pro could handle the workload.

This concern was unfounded; my Intel i7 with 16 GB of RAM should easily manage web development and audio recording tasks. Yet, I caught myself spiraling into thoughts of needing a newer machine without even attempting the tasks on my current device. This illustrates how easily I can slip back into that obsessive mindset.

Specs Are Secondary

#### Emphasizing the Project Over the Tools

Fortunately, due to the steps I've taken, I was able to quickly redirect my focus onto the project rather than worrying about the tools. We all agreed that branding and naming weren’t priorities in the early stages of our idea. It’s impractical to fixate on my computer’s capabilities when I haven’t even begun to explore what is truly needed.

Many of the influences that led me here, as I mentioned earlier, stemmed from eliminating technology podcasts. The Apple-focused shows I used to listen to often made me reconsider my tech setup. The hosts frequently upgraded their devices and shared their experiences, which triggered my own desire to do the same.

In an ideal scenario, I would be able to enjoy others discussing gadgets without feeling compelled to follow suit. However, my deep passion for technology makes it challenging to resist the urge to enhance my experience, especially when influenced by those I admire.

The dynamics of social media have also shifted for me. I used to manage two Twitter accounts—one personal and one for tech content. The tech account primarily followed industry figures who have since vacated Twitter, making it easy to step away from the platform at the beginning of 2023. While I’ve returned to my personal account, I’m uncertain how much longer I’ll remain active there given the platform's changes.

A crucial change was leaving Mastodon. With many tech personalities transitioning there, my feed became overly focused on technology, which further fueled my gadget obsession. Parting with Mastodon was a significant relief as my feed was filled with tech news that tempted me to resubscribe to podcasts and channels I had previously distanced myself from.

Looking ahead, I might eventually return to tech podcasts, but for now, I'm content with exploring technology on my terms without comparing myself to others. I have various projects in the pipeline that I aim to pursue, which aligns with my overarching goals.

I seek to enhance my skills in Swift and web development, improve my scripting and automation abilities, and advance my writing in both blogging and novel creation. Concentrating on my projects without the distraction of others' gadget usage feels far more productive.

Systems Over Tools: My 2023 Focus

#### Avoiding Unnecessary Purchases This Year

The balance I seek may eventually return, but for now, it’s essential that I concentrate on my personal journey. My time with family and various responsibilities is already limited, so stepping back from comparing myself to others is a prudent choice at this juncture.

By the end of 2023, I aspire to have developed systems that foster the balance I need. Even if it takes longer, the effort will be worthwhile. I find myself more relaxed and excited to use my MacBook in the evenings without the nagging feeling that it falls short compared to newer models. Instead, I’m opening myself up to work on projects that bring me fulfillment and joy.

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