Going paperless makes life incredibly easier, but it comes at the cost of curbing a technological addiction. On the one hand we have convenience that is unprecedented in human history (every person with a smartphone essentially has a personal assistant for almost free), and the other hand is an array of choices for all your needs… designed with unnecessary features to keep you hooked for another few minutes (or seconds).

These would be features such as notifications, different skins, progress bars and anything else that doesn’t directly contribute to the output of what you’re doing.

How can we get the best of both worlds?

The first step is to recognize we need to be discerning in the number of devices we have and what we use them for on a daily basis. This is where your diligence in doing first hand research and unabated honesty will come in handy.

Marketing hype will dictate your need for a product when in reality, there’s an encompassing device that can handle your necessities. I am no stranger to the, “I could definitely use that because it does x and that’s something I could see myself doing.” However, the truth is my smartphone and work issued laptop can handle 99% of my needs.

Next is to pick an ecosystem.

Yes, they all have their advantages and shortcomings, but take it from someone who bounced around endlessly, any one of them work just fine. I’ve worked in Linux, Apple, Microsoft and my workplace uses Google. Compared to where they were twenty years ago, to get up in arms about a “much needed” feature is like complaining your work benefits only cover $500 in massages instead of $550.

The hard part is restraining yourself from going elsewhere to fit a need. Find a way to do it in your ecosystem that makes sense to you and save yourself the chase for something newer and shinier every other day.

Finally is the use of time on these devices, which is where things can get excruciatingly difficult. Every time you use a device, there should be a purpose for it. A “quick check” is not a purpose.

If there’s anything I learned from having a family, when a twenty minute time-block opens up in your day (and that’s being generous), you take full advantage of every second. I’ve taken this idea to my devices in what I call a restricted pomodoro.

The classic pomodoro technique is to set a timer for twenty five minutes, work that block, take a five minute break and do another twenty five minutes. Some feel it’s too restrictive if you get into the zone (or flow) and will continue working through the break.

I take another approach – I only have a certain amount of time to work. No working past the set block. This forces my brain to focus right away, helps limit the time I spend in front of a screen and what I do when I’m there.

Always ask yourself, “What is the purpose of using my device right now?”

Just as it’s possible to own a home and be a minimalist, it is possible for a paperless environment and being a technological minimalist. It just requires some strict filters and willingness to adhere to them.