Finding Focus: Building a New Sleep Mode to Improve Discipline, Support Better Habits, and Save Me from Myself
For many, sleep is a complicated matter. It is vital to our health and well-being, yet many struggle to get adequate rest. According to the CDC, 36 percent of adults in the United States, approximately 120 million people, sleep less than seven hours each night.
Over a quarter of the US population needs to sleep more. Regretfully, since becoming a parent, I've become part of this unfortunate statistic.
Like most parents, The struggle became greater after having children. As if inconsistencies of sleep that are beyond my control aren't enough, I've recently started doing something that is certainly not in my best interest: staying up well after the kids are asleep and things are cleaned up. I don't do this every night, but I cycle through a couple times a week where the desire to just stay awake and enjoy some quiet time to decompress wins out over the better angels of sleep. My wife, who deals with the same sleepless nights but is far wiser than me, prioritizes what little sleep she gets over anything that doesn't involve her family. She's an intelligent woman, and as I often tell her, when I'm learning from her, I'm taking notes.
Some nights things works out. I go to bed later than I should, and everyone sleeps through the night. Other nights, I only get a few hours of sleep before the waking up begins. After a particularly tough week of this cycle, I made a conscious decision to take action and make a change.
The Goal
I started this project by making a short list of my goals. Here's what I came up with:
Aim for seven hours of sleep every night
Access to apps that promote relaxation and sleep
Limit access to apps that inhibit sleep
Turn on automatically 30 minutes before ideal bedtime
Use context shifting to reinforce sleep time
With these goals in mind, I set out to reduce distractions during the time that I want to be sleeping and also improve my sleep discipline. After some planning, I started building a revamped sleep Focus mode.
Letting the Right Apps In
Okay, I have an admission to make. I use my devices in bed before going to sleep. Most often, I'm on an iPad Air or iPad Mini, writing a journal entry and reading on the Kindle app. Sometimes, I do this on my iPhone if I'm traveling or don't have an iPad near me.
I know that using technology before bed can contribute to sleep problems. More specifically, I know the apps that can distract me and present problems. I keep the few social media apps I use, streaming apps, email, and the open web, off limits.
So, what's allowed? Honestly, not much.
The Home Screen
I Have one widget and four apps that are a part of my Sleep Focus Mode. Phone and Messages are also accessible, but let’s be honest, they are easily ignored.
The Kindle Widget
I read when I wake up and before I go to sleep. I read several short passages from "daily" books in the morning, while I usually read one or two full-length books at night. The content of these vary, but it's typically nonfiction. Lately, I've been rereading Kitchen Confidential and The Diary of Anne Frank. The first is an old favorite that I'm rereading for the first time since It was released nearly 24 years ago, and the second is part of my research into journaling. The Kindle Widget is ideal here because it's bigger than any other app icon and will get me right into reading a book.
Ulysses
I do all of my writing in Ulysses. I like accessing what I'm working on quickly, especially if I'm in bed early. While that's rare, it's often because I want to do a little writing before I call it a night.
MindNode
I'm a nerd. Nerds mind map. I'm working on several active mind maps for various parts of my life, including management and team-building ideas, journaling, event or trip planning, and general content for this site.
Dark Noise
I often use Dark Noise while I sleep. I've always been a fan of white noise, and having two kids who like white noise machines has just reinforced my preference for it. I set up this simple shortcut to turn on brown noise, which I prefer over the more traditional white noise option in this app.
Gratitude
As part of my journaling practice, I use this shortcut to create a new daily gratitude entry in Day One. That's table stakes for my journaling practice. Some days, I write in other journals or do multiple entries, but at a minimum, I post a photo and a sentence or two that share something I'm thankful for.
Moving Safari
I've always kept Safari on my dock on all my mobile devices. It's one of my most frequently used apps, yet it's one of the apps I don't want easy access to in Sleep Mode. Right now, Apple doesn't let you have different docks for different focus modes, so now Safari lives on the Home Screen of my iPad and iPhone.
The Apple Watch
Most days, I wear my watch until I go to bed, so I have an automation set to change the face from California to the Breathe face an hour before my ideal bedtime. This furthers the shift from where the day-to-day noise of calendar, fitness, weather, etc., can become overwhelming to where the focus is much more on winding down.
The Honor System
I am at my best when I follow this simple rule: if I wake up in the middle of the night and can't sleep, I can pick up my iPad or my iPhone, and I can do anything I want as long as it's reading a book or choosing an option on my Home Screen.
Having used this Focus mode for more than a month since beginning the first draft of this post, I can report that it works well. The context shift does make a difference. It reminds me that my interests are best served by not accessing social media, news apps, or any noisy inputs the broader net offers. Anytime I ignore this reminder and abandon my responsibilities around getting the best sleep possible, I am worse for it.
Finally, I know Focus modes can only do so much. It’s as much about making the right decisions and advocating for myself. Still, using the tools at hand to make it a little easier to make the right decisions is worth doing.
Basic AF: iPhone Event Recap with Joe Moyer (Hey, That’s Me!)
I had the pleasure of joining Jeff Battersby and Tom Anderson on the Basic AF Show to discuss the latest Apple event and answer whether it was a September to remember.
From the show notes:
Join us as we breakdown the new AirPods and hearing related features for AirPods Pro 2, the Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 2 in Satin Black. The new iPhone 16 looks excellent, and the iPhone 16 Pro lineup is more "pro" even with its boring colors.
This was my first podcast appearance, and Tom and Jeff are great guys. I genuinely had fun! They were patient with my changing schedule and a pleasure to chat with. I'm thankful they had me on, and as you'll hear on the podcast, we plan to talk again soon!
Check out the show wherever you get your podcasts, and let me know how we did!
Deadline Reports that Ted Lasso May Be Coming Back
Deadline reports that Ted Lasso may be returning for a season 4. From the article:
While the outreach to the cast is underway, early preparations are also being made to open a writers room. If all elements come together, we hear production on a fourth season is eyeing an early 2025 start. Reps for WBTV and Apple TV+ declined comment.
Starting the process for a Season 4 greenlight indicates that the main Ted Lasso driving force on and off-screen, Sudeikis, is on board for a new installment as the studio would not have proceeded without his consent.
I was a big fan of this show, particularly the first season, which dropped during a particularly weird time in recent history. I have mixed feelings about the potential for a return. I’m excited about checking in with the characters and setting, but I also know that sometimes things are better left as is. Still, if it’s coming, I’ll absolutely check it out.
Apple’s “Glowtime” event is next week, and I’ll be watching to see if they make any announcements related to Lasso.
May the 4th Be With You
Happy Star Wars Day!
To commemorate the day, Apple released this fun little ad.
This year was more special because my oldest child wished me a “Happy Star Wars Day,” and we spent a little time playing with some Droid Funko Pops. I am not a massive collector, but I do like to pick up one or two throughout the year as new series come out.
One of the fun parts about being a Dad is that I can share my interests and fandom with my kids, and they can try it on to see if it fits. Whether they become fans or not, I like showing them that it’s important to have things in our lives that exist merely to bring us joy and make us happy.
I shared some thoughts in 2022 and 2023 too. I’m glad to mark the occasion again this year, and hope you do something nerdy today to celebrate!
Happy 40th to the Macintosh
Apple announced The Macintosh 40 years ago today. There’s a lot of great content being written and shared right now, including multiple posts from Stephen Hackett at 512 Pixels. Jason Snell also offers his reflections on Six Colors and The Verge. For podcast fans, check out Walt Mossberg’s recollections on The Vergecast.
I bought my first Mac in February of 2003, a 15- inch Aluminum G4 PowerBook, which changed my journey into technology. While it’s not turned into a career (not yet, anyway), my interest in Apple and tech generally has become a hobby and something I’ve been deeply interested in since then.
Cheers to my fellow nerds who are celebrating today!
Apple Launches Journal for iPhone
With the release of iOS 17.2 earlier this week, Apple launched Journal. I spent some time with the new app last night, and my initial thoughts are positive. I will share more after I’ve had a chance to kick the tires.
Today, Day One, my journaling tool of choice, announced support for Journaling Suggestions. This is a keystone feature for Apple’s Journal, so it makes sense that Day One would add it as well.
Today we’re excited to announce a new way to deepen your journaling practice: Journaling Suggestions. Journaling Suggestions in Day One provide personalized journaling recommendations inspired by your photos, locations, activities, and more, bringing a whole new level of introspection and discovery to your daily reflections.
Everything I’ve read from the folks at Day One about Apple’s entry into this space has been totally classy. Last summer, I shared Day One’s founder Paul Mayne’s thoughts on Journal when it was announced.
Rather than seeing this as competition, we embrace Apple’s entry into digital journaling as a testament to its growing importance. This evolution is not just beneficial for Day One but also for our valued users.
I believe that journaling can improve people’s lives, and having an app included on a phone that’s in about a billion and a half pockets worldwide means more people will start a practice. That’s a really good thing.
The 2023 Gift Guide
I enjoy a well-thought-out gift guide. I'm not talking about the kind that only lists costly items that no one wants. I enjoy the ones from the authors, podcasters, and creators I choose to follow and support. I trust and appreciate their perspective, opinions, and taste. Not only do I find them helpful in discovering things I may be interested in, but I also find them helpful for ideas when family asks, "What would you like for the holidays?"
It's in that spirit that I've created this guide. I'm sharing a few gift ideas for those creative, bookish tech lovers in your life who may be hard to shop for. What's that you say? You’re a creative, bookish tech lover? If you’d like, you can pull some ideas from this list and send them to your relatives and friends looking for tips.
Alright, let’s jump in.
Books
The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman
This book feels timeless. It features a daily quote from one of the ancient Stoic philosophers and an insight from Ryan Holiday with a modern reflection that compliments the selection.
I try to start my day with a passage from this book and am never disappointed when I do.
The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain by Annie Murphy Paul
Annie Murphy Paul has taken the idea that our brains are all-knowing and infallible and turned it on its head, arguing instead that we need to extend our thinking.
Paul uses the metaphor of the Magpie and suggests that we are at our best when we figure things out not just with our brain but also by connecting our surroundings, relationships, and physical being with the process.
I found actionable insights in this book and recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about how our surroundings impact our thinking.
Perennial Seller: The Art of Making and Marketing Work That Last by Ryan Holiday
The second book from Ryan Holiday on this list. Perennial Seller is for anyone trying to create enduring work and wants to learn from someone who's not only had his own success as an author but also helped others find their success through Brass Check, his advisory firm.
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Steven Pressfield famously wrote for 27 years before he got his first novel, The Legend of Bagger Vance, published. He wrote The War of Art to help the rest of us learn from his mistakes.
This book has undoubtedly launched many people on their journey of doing something difficult and essential by helping them learn what the Resistance is and how to overcome it.
The Practicing Stoic: A Philosophical User's Manual by Ward Farnsworth
Starting with first principles, Ward Farnsworth extends Stoicism to other philosophers and thinkers throughout history, beyond Zeno of Citium and the Greeks and Romans. There's also an element of practicality to the writing that is helpful to better understand how applicable Stoicism can be in everyday life.
On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction by William Zinsser (SP)
Another profoundly influential book for many writers, On Writing Well, was born from a course William Zinsser taught at Yale. Initially published in 1976, this book remains valuable and current for anyone who wants to become a better writer.
The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl (Audio Recommendation)
Dave Grohl is a man of integrity, who's not afraid to find the humor in many situations, who deeply loves his children, and who has endured the public loss of some very dear friends. He's also had an incredible career in the music industry that's spanned decades with bands like Scream, Nirvana and The Foo Fighters.
I rarely recommend the audio specifically, but this is one where hearing Grohl tell of the touchstone moments in his life makes The Storyteller an even better book.
Audible Gift Subscription
I received an Audible gift subscription last year and didn't realize then how much I'd enjoy it. I like listening to audiobooks while I’m at the gym or doing yard work and this feeds that need. If you have someone who wants to read more but doesn’t have the time or the focus to pick up a physical book, this is a great gift option.
Technology
AirPods Pro
I've used the regular AirPods for years and felt no solid inclination to upgrade to the Pro. I was gifted the AirPods Pro earlier this year, and there really is a difference. Sometimes, when I'm watching something on my iPad, I can't tell if the sound is coming from the AirPods because it feels like it's coming from the screen. The noise cancellation and conversational awareness are such a helpful combination. There's magic in the tech, and the audio quality is much better than the regular AirPods.
Joby GorillaPod
I use this more often than I thought. Whether it's for doing video calls with an iPhone via Continuity Camera or taking photos, it's compact, easy to travel with, and helpful.
Glif from Studio Neat
I use the Glif from Studio Neat as the mount with my portable tripod. It compact, sturdy, and works really well with my tripod.
Journaling and Writing
Moleskine Medium Ruled Hardcover Notebook
I'm writing more about journaling on this site and at Threads. I have this crazy believe that everyone's life can be improved by beginning a journaling practice, and this is one of the notebooks I recommend to someone who's getting started and wants something with a bit of style. It's still simple and not terribly expensive, but also elegant. Moleskine notebooks are widely available, which is helpful too.
Field Notes Memo Books
I’ve been using the National Parks series recently, carrying it with me to take notes and supplement my task management system. It’s the perfect size for my pocket, and the artwork on all of the series they’ve created are beautiful and evocative.
The Subtle Notebook
This is my current favorite analog notebook from Cortex Brand. I appreciate the color, the quality of the paper, and the dot grid because it gives me the freedom to do whatever I want without feeling constrained by lines and yet also gives me some waypoints so I stay on the rails.
Thanks for reading. I hope this guide is helpful when shopping for your friends and family or when a family member asks for something you might like. Happy holidays!
Note: Some of these items include an affiliate link, meaning your purchase may help support this site. I've only included things in this list I actually use, like, and recommend. There are no big screen 4K TVs or air fryers here (although my wife and I are tempted by both!).
Paul Mayne, Creator of Day One, on Apple’s Journal App
Day One Creator Paul Mayne shared his thoughts on Journal, Apple’s new iOS app coming later this year.
From the Day One blog:
Rather than seeing this as competition, we embrace Apple’s entry into digital journaling as a testament to its growing importance. This evolution is not just beneficial for Day One, but also for our valued users.
I’m thankful that Day One and other apps will be able to access the Suggestions API. I remain curious what exactly that will look like, but it’s always fun to see how app developers take these API’s and run with them in ways that best suit their users.
You can read Paul's whole post and what I wrote about Journal earlier this week. Apple releasing this app will get more people into journaling, and that's a win. Most people I've encountered who journal are better for it, and those who don't could find so much value in starting a practice.
Apple Unveils Journal at WWDC 2023, Coming to iPhone Later this Year
During Monday's WWDC conference, Apple announced Journal, a new app coming to iPhone later this year.
From the iOS 17 feature page at Apple.com:
Using on-device machine learning, your iPhone creates personalized suggestions of moments for you to remember and write about based on your photos, music, workouts, and more.
Other highlights include:
Reflection and writing prompts
The ability to mark important or meaningful entries for review later
Scheduled notifications at the beginning and end of the day as well as reminders to record your thoughts about important events
Apple's typical and appreciated approach to security, including end-to-end encryption, on-device processing, and locked journals
On Upgrade, co-host Jason Snell mentioned that other developers should be able to use the Suggestions API, giving tools like my favorite journaling app, Day One, an opportunity to integrate these features.
I’ll share more as Apple continues to release details.
Unleashing Apple Silicon
I've finally joined the modern Apple Silicon era!
This is my recently acquired M2 MacBook Air. I chose Space Grey with 16 GB of memory and a 1 TB SSD.
I have been using a MacBook Air since 2019, and it's struggled to keep pace with my needs. The Silicon Air is a different beast than what was on offer during the Intel era, thanks in large part to Apple's system on a chip processors using ARM architecture.
Looking for a new Mac? Start with the M Series Air. I love my M2, and the previous M1 generation is still blazing fast and is often on sale at places like Amazon.
This is the best and most responsive computing experience I've ever had. People told me I'd feel this way, and they were right.
Pen and Paper, Digitally: New iOS Journaling App Rumored for Launch with iOS 17
There was an interesting report from 9to5 Mac last week where they shared a story from The Wall Street Journal that says Apple will be releasing a native journaling app for the iPhone in the next release of iOS. The rumors include on-device integration with location information, physical activity, and other pertinent data to prompt the user to create relevant entries. In addition, there's talk of this potentially Sherlocking* the popular journaling app Day One.
When Apple creates apps that offer an alternative to what third-party developers are doing, they typically don't go as deep in terms of the specific feature set as the app developers do. An example is the Reminders app, which works for some people and has gotten even more functionality with recent updates. Despite that, there's still a set of users who need something like Todoist or OmniFocus. However, Apple does have the advantage of building the OS and can more easily benefit from deeper integration into system settings, so they can usually do some cool stuff that some third-party app developers may struggle with.
I've been subscribing to Day One for years and like the app. Of course, I'll check out what Apple does, but it's not an instant switch for me. I like the features and security that Day One offers right now.
I think journaling is something everyone should do, and I'd be happy if the rumors turned out to be accurate and Apple added this tool as a native app on the iPhone. I hope that Day One will co-exist successfully with whatever Apple creates, and I suspect they will. Many app developers, especially developers who have been working on their apps for years, have added many features people want, and that helps them differentiate themselves from what Apple does. I hope Day One sticks around and continues building a great feature-rich journaling app. The optimist in me thinks they may even see an increase in users if Apple popularizes journaling and more people explore other apps in the category. We'll have to wait until WWDC in June to know what's happening.
In the meantime, if you are interested in beginning a journaling practice, don't wait. Instead, start today, and use whatever format is most comfortable. Whether it's analog or digital, just get started. I'll write more about journaling in the newsletter this month, and you can click here to join and take a look at a few recent issues as well.
* Sherlocking is the term used when Apple creates an app that functions in the same way as a third-party app.
Weekly Quote: Reflecting on Time With Steve Jobs
This week’s quote, shared by Laurene Powell Jobs in the introduction of Make Something Wonderful, a new curated collection from The Steve Jobs Archive featuring speeches, emails, interviews, and personal reflections from the visionary co-founder of Apple.
The quote continues:
He was compelled by the notion of being part of the arc of human existence, animated by the thought that he — or that any of us — might elevate or expedite human progress.
I believe Steve helped change how many of us engage each other and the world around us. He reminds us, both through his reflections in this book and his actions during his life, that our time here is brief, and we should shine as brightly as possible.
Steve Jobs on How to Focus
I found this on 512 Pixels, where Stephen Hackett wrote about the 25th anniversary of Apple’s decision to kill the Newton. If you aren’t reading Stephen’s blog and are interested in tech history, you are missing out.
Is anyone else curious just what The San Jose Mercury wrote that had Steve so fired up?
Ted Lasso Returns to Apple TV+ on March 15th
I'm excited for the third season of Ted Lasso premiering on March 15th. There have been conflicting reports that this will be the final season. However, there's no mention of that on the Youtube page or in Apple's press release announcing the new season. British GQ has a rundown of the new season, including what those involved in the production say about the future (spoiler alert, no one knows for sure).
One of the aspects of British TV production that I've always enjoyed is the comfort with which they sometimes take lengthy breaks between series and use one-off specials to move the story forward. While it's fun to speculate if the show will continue and in what form that might take, I'm thrilled that one of my favorite shows is returning, and I hope the creative team does what serves the story best.