Looking for a cure to your restless mind? Check out this book!

Miles Everson • May 9, 2025

From the desk of Miles Everson:

Hello, everyone!

Happy Friday!

I’m thrilled to share with you another useful topic today. In my  “Mindfulness by Miles”  articles, I talk about health, wealth, well-being, happiness, future of work, book reviews, marketing, tips, etc. with hopes of helping you thrive in your life.

Today, allow me to share my two cents about this life-changing book.

Keep reading to know how you can still live a focused life in the midst of a noisy world.




Looking for a cure to your restless mind? Check out this book!

Imagine waking up to complete silence—no buzzing notifications, no endless stream of messages, no pressure to check your phone before even getting out of bed.

Instead of feeling pulled in a hundred directions, you have a clear mind, an open schedule, and the ability to focus deeply on what truly matters.

In a world where distraction is the default, this scenario might seem like an unattainable dream.

… but what if it wasn’t?

What if the key to a more intentional, fulfilling life wasn’t in having more technology, but in using  less ?

Rediscovering Focus in a Distracted World

This is the core idea behind  “Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World”  by Cal Newport, a book that offers a powerful antidote to the digital overwhelm that has become a defining feature of modern life.

Here, Newport presents a compelling case for reclaiming your attention and mental clarity by adopting a philosophy of intentional technology use.

Instead of mindlessly scrolling, responding, and consuming,  “Digital Minimalism”  teaches how to be deliberate with your digital habits so you can live with greater focus, purpose, and peace.

At its core, digital minimalism is about  intentionality —using technology in a way that serves your deepest values rather than allowing it to dictate your time and attention.

In his book, Newport argues that most people don’t make conscious choices about their digital consumption; instead, they fall into default patterns set by tech companies, algorithms, and social expectations.

The result?

Constant distraction, shallow thinking, and an overwhelming sense of mental clutter.

Here’s the thing: Digital minimalism is not about rejecting technology altogether.

It’s all about choosing carefully which digital tools truly add value to your life and eliminating the rest.

It’s about stepping back, reassessing your relationship with technology, and designing a digital life that supports—not detracts from—your goals, relationships, and well-being.

The Digital Declutter: Breaking Free from Mindless Tech Use

One of Newport’s book’s most impactful strategies is the  30-day digital declutter, a process where you temporarily step away from all non-essential digital tools.

During this period, you engage in meaningful offline activities that bring genuine joy and fulfillment.

Then, after 30 days, you gradually reintroduce digital tools, but only if they genuinely serve a purpose in your life.

This structured reset allows you to break free from compulsive tech habits and rebuild a healthier, more intentional relationship with digital devices.

Here are some of the key ideas from the book:

  • Solitude is Essential for Clear Thinking

    Newport emphasizes that constant digital engagement has eliminated solitude—those quiet moments where you can reflect, process thoughts, and be creative.

    Without solitude, your ability to engage in deep thinking and meaningful work suffers.

    On the contrary, practicing digital minimalism creates space for solitude, allowing for greater self-awareness and mental clarity.

  • High-Quality Leisure Over Passive Consumption

    Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media or binge-watching videos, Newport encourages you to replace digital distractions with high-quality leisure activities.

    These include reading, crafting, exercising, or meaningful face-to-face interactions.

    According to him, engaging in these activities leads to greater fulfillment and a sense of accomplishment.

  • Reclaiming Control Over Social Media Use

    Many people feel that social media is a necessary part of life, but Newport challenges this assumption.

    He argues that platforms like  FacebookTwitter (now known as  X), and  Instagram  are engineered to maximize engagement—not personal well-being.

    By being intentional about social media use—such as setting time limits or deleting unnecessary apps—you can reduce mindless scrolling and free up time for more meaningful pursuits.

  • The Power of Deep Work and Focused Attention

    In a world that rewards multitasking and instant responses, deep work—uninterrupted, high-quality focus—has become rare.

    Thankfully, digital minimalism helps cultivate a lifestyle where deep work becomes the norm, leading to greater productivity, creativity, and fulfillment.

Why Newport’s Book Matters in Today’s World

We live in an attention economy where our focus is constantly under siege.

The ability to reclaim our attention isn’t just about reducing screen time—it’s about taking back control of our minds, our time, and our lives.

“Digital Minimalism”  offers a roadmap for escaping the cycle of digital addiction and cultivating a life that prioritizes what truly matters:

  • Deep connections
  • Meaningful work
  • Personal growth

If you’re currently feeling overwhelmed by technology, this book provides practical strategies to reset your digital habits, break free from compulsive tech use, and create a lifestyle that fosters focus, creativity, and well-being.

It’s a must-read for people like you who are looking to escape the digital noise and rediscover the power of a focused, intentional life!

So, what would your life look like if you used technology  on your own terms ?

Would you be more present?

More creative?

More fulfilled?

The answer might just be a digital declutter away.

I encourage you to add this book to your must-reads! I believe this will personally change your life for the better.

Advance happy weekend!

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Miles Everson

CEO of MBO Partners and former Global Advisory and Consulting CEO at PwC, Everson has worked with many of the world's largest and most prominent organizations, specializing in executive management. He helps companies balance growth, reduce risk, maximize return, and excel in strategic business priorities.


He is a sought-after public speaker and contributor and has been a case study for success from Harvard Business School.


Everson is a Certified Public Accountant, a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants. He graduated from St. Cloud State University with a B.S. in Accounting.

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