As a child of the nineties, I have a faint recollection of a life without smartphones. 

But my memory is largely one of a life with technology—where I used my phone to document my social life, fill pockets of idleness, and, ultimately, serve as an extension of the self. ‍

In 2020, I amped up my technology usage even further when I became a freelance writer slash creator. I was very online. I had to be. I was interacting with and learning from other creators, an eager participant of the “creator economy.” I let the internet consume me, ousting my mental peace and quiet. ‍

So it wasn’t surprising that I burned out by January 2021. My writing felt stale and cheap, as if mass-produced in a factory. Not only did the writing feel empty, but I did, too. 

I hired a life coach, who asked me to give up something for 30 days as a “test of discipline.” I decided to forgo scrolling through social media in the mornings. 

It was the best decision I’ve ever made. 

How going offline benefits creators 

Unbeknownst to me, this 30-day experiment was a trial run of digital minimalism, a philosophy popularized by Cal Newport in his book, Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World. 

Newport suggests a fix for our techno-exhaustion: go on a month-long break from nonessential digital activities. After one month, only reintroduce those that add value to your life. The end result is a mindful and present life where you’re in control of your technology usage (instead of it controlling you). 

Compared to what Newport suggests, my digital detox was half-assed. I was still on social media in the afternoons, and didn’t give up other services like text or email. Yet this partial detox proved beneficial to my sanity—especially my creative output. 

As a creator, you might be thinking: this is impossible for me. My livelihood depends on the internet, and staying constantly plugged in is not just important; it’s necessary. 

I think that’s ridiculous. Let’s unpack why.

Staying offline makes you more likely to publish something 

In his essay “The Builder’s High,” author Rands argues we’re ditching our creative capabilities to consume other people’s digital lives instead. “You’re swimming in everyone else’s moments,” he writes. 

These “moments” are the sips of interesting online activity we absorb on a daily basis: an acquaintance’s engagement, influencers’ Belize vacation, a co-worker’s promotion.

Having our social circuits on overdrive prevents us from funneling energy towards other important cognitive tasks. Over time, this behavior can have consequences, such as reducing our capacity to focus, lowering self-esteem and heightening social anxiety. 

Battered self-esteem can dissuade you from sharing your creations online. How many times have you withheld from publishing your art because you felt as though it wouldn’t compare to your peers’? 

One of the first benefits I’d noticed from my “no social media mornings” challenge was a renewed sense of confidence. Because I spent my mornings creating (and not comparing myself to an algorithmic newsfeed), I felt more enthused to post. 

To be a successful creator, you have to post—frequently. That can’t be done if your insecurities step in the way. 

Staying offline helps you develop your unique voice 

“But how can I create if I’m not getting inspired from what’s online?” 

I’d argue that about 75% of what our algorithms recommend is regurgitated chicken feed. It’s productivity advice from childless marketing bros, with a dash of memes and conspiracy theories. 

Your best ideas won’t come from pecking at what an algorithm serves you. Instead, step away from it so you can get the mental space to reflect on your own thoughts and stimulate deep thinking. 

Your headspace is a valley of rich and unique ideas. Unfortunately, the internet doesn’t necessarily provide fertile soil to help those thoughts flourish. 

In reality, the internet is more of a bulldozer. To paraphrase the writer Jia Tolentino: “My selfhood is a meadow of wildflowers that had been paved over by the internet.” 

Take a moment to ask yourself: when’s the last time you had an idea that rattled you? 

What hill are you willing to die on? 

What questions do you ask late at night, convinced no one has the answer? 

Your unique perspective on the world is priceless—worth much more than a regurgitated Tweet thread could ever be. But this reservoir of rich individuality can only be accessed if you’re willing to spend time alone, deep in thought, untouched by the digital cacophony of your device. 

For me, this usually entails writing morning pages, meditating, and running. It’s during these lapses of digital stimulation that ideas come, at first a trickle, then in an avalanche. I record ideas on paper and in my Notes app for future inspiration. 

You, too, house spectacular ideas that only you can bring to the world. But the first step to bring them into existence is to listen from within. 

Go offline, see what happens 

Because the results were so encouraging—higher creative output, a boost in self-esteem, and more unique ideas—I’ve kept up with “no social media mornings” for two years now. 

Although I run my business fully online, it wouldn’t be successful if I didn’t spend most of my time offline. This lifestyle shift has not only boosted my quality of work, but also my quality of life. 

If you’re a creator, I’d urge you to try something similar. You might not only find the courage to share your creations, but you’ll generate work that comes straight from the soul (algorithm be damned). It's a special thing, for it’ll make someone, somewhere, feel less alone.