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Marcus Lopés

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Marcus

Stepping Back (Again) from Social Media

May 26, 2022 by Marcus 3 Comments

It takes discipline not to let social media steal your time.
— Alex Ohanian

As a writer with a day job — and getting older — I am thinking more about how I spend my time. Writing a book isn’t easy, and it involves a huge time commitment. For me, it means getting up in the middle of the night to write before heading to work. That generally means that in the evening I’m too mentally exhausted to write.

A few weeks ago, I spent a couple of weeks monitoring my daily screen time. I was flabbergasted by what I learned about myself. Some days I’d watch a show/movie on Prime Video, play a game, check in on social media, and/or catch up on news headlines (especially after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine). There were weeks when my screen time averaged 9 hours (or, sadly, more) a day. During that period, I had one utterly unfocused, unproductive day when I spent more than 14 hours using my phone. Scary! [Read more…] about Stepping Back (Again) from Social Media

Filed Under: Writing Life Tagged With: deep work, digital minimalism, social media, writing life

Is this all there is to life?

May 19, 2022 by Marcus 7 Comments

Digital minimalism definitively does not reject the innovations of the internet age, but instead rejects the way so many people currently engage with these tools.” — Cal Newport, Digital Minimalism 

It’s not new. I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with social media. Perhaps it is because, by nature, I’m an introvert. Social interactions—with people I care deeply about, yet even more so with those I don’t—leave me drained.

Over the past four to five years, I’ve tried to find a ‘balanced approach’ to social media. But I haven’t succeeded. At times I go all in, posting regularly and consistently as the experts tell us we should to build an audience. Other times, I withdraw for a few weeks…or a few months. Whether I’m online or offline, both states create a feeling that I’m ‘missing’ something. [Read more…] about Is this all there is to life?

Filed Under: Writing Life Tagged With: deep work, digial minimalism, social media, writing life

I Don’t Play Politics

May 4, 2022 by Marcus Leave a Comment

i don't play politics

This is a continuation of ‘Who Do You Trust…?‘

The door to Lauren Platt’s office flew up, Brian busting into the room.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Platt.” Todd Manfield, out of breath and standing next to Brian, lowered his eyes. “I tried to stop him.”

“It’s fine,” Lauren said almost motherly. “Let’s make it a party. Please get James and have him join us.”

Todd bowed slightly and backed out of the room, leaving the door open.

Michael glared at Brian. “I told you to leave.”

“I wasn’t leaving you alone in here,” Brian snapped. “Not knowing if —” [Read more…] about I Don’t Play Politics

Filed Under: Short Stories Tagged With: Agent Michael Reid, creative writing, gay fiction, short story, thriller

Days 8-15 Recap: 30-Day Deep Work Challenge

April 18, 2022 by Marcus Leave a Comment

Two words: Utter fail.

The intention was there, but not the actions to back it up.

Something was off. I was off. And I’m struggling to fix it.

But I’m determined to get this right, so I’m starting again.

When you see the break down of my screen time below (the days I just gave up and embraced procrastination), you’ll understand why tomorrow will be Day 1 again. [Read more…] about Days 8-15 Recap: 30-Day Deep Work Challenge

Filed Under: Writing Life Tagged With: deep work, routine, stay focused, writing life

Days 5-7 Recap: 30-Day Deep Work Challenge

April 11, 2022 by Marcus 1 Comment

These past three days have been challenging when it comes to holding focus and working deeply.

There is this inescapable feeling that, by scaling back on social media and other distractions, that I’m missing something. So, it’s been harder to resist picking up the phone, which is reflected in my screen time.

Still, I’m determined to stay the course and get to a place that helps me focus and work deeply.

I’ve removed the Facebook, Twitter and Instagram apps from my phone. If there is something that I do want to post, I will do it from my laptop.

Screen Time Recap:

Day 5 (Friday,8 April 2022):  1H49M
Day 6 (Saturday, 8 April 2022):  3H28
Day 7 (Sunday, 8 April 2022):  1H49

Read the recap for Days 3 & 4 here.

 

 

Filed Under: Writing Life Tagged With: deep work, routine, stay focused, writing life

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