10 Principles to Reduce Digital Noise (For Busy Sales Leaders)

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Cal Newport stands as the leading authority on digital minimalism and deep work.

In his book "Digital Minimalism," Newport stated, "The key to thriving in our high-tech world is to spend much less time using technology." This philosophy has become essential for sales professionals struggling with constant digital interruptions and 60-hour workweeks.

These ten principles will help you regain control of your digital life and reduce your workweek by 15-20 hours.

1. Set Up Focus Mode

Install Focus Mode on your iPhone and configure it properly. Most sales professionals lose 2-3 hours daily to random phone notifications and social media checks.

The average person checks their phone 96 times per day - that's once every 10 minutes.

This principle alone can save you 10+ hours per week.

2. Batch Your Email Processing

Email batching is more effective than constant inbox monitoring.

Many sellers believe they need to respond to emails immediately to maintain relationships. This reactive approach fragments your attention and extends your workday unnecessarily.

Here's how to implement it:

• Set up Boomerang for Gmail

• Schedule designated email blocks at 8 AM, 12 PM, and 5 PM

• Use Boomerang to pause your inbox between these times

3. Master Slack

Turn off all Slack notifications during deep work periods.

The constant stream of Slack messages derails your focus.

Set your Slack status to "In Deep Work" and check messages only during designated breaks.

Here are 5 other little-known Slack settings all sellers should set up

4. Remove Badge Notifications

Eliminate notification badges from your phone and desktop. The red dots create artificial urgency.

Set all non-essential apps to manual refresh only.

5. Simplify Your Screens

Limit yourself to two screens maximum. Sales professionals often spread work across 3-4 screens, increasing the temptation to multitask.

Multitasking to boost productivity is like using a fork to eat soup - technically possible, but far from effective.

For most tasks, 1 screen is sufficient. 2 is optimal.

6. Monthly Settings Audit

Verify your notification settings monthly. Settings often reset after app updates.

Do a monthly audit of notification permissions.

7. The 90-Minute Focus Rule

Implement a 90-minute rule for focused work. Your brain needs 90 minutes to enter a flow state.

During this time:

• Close email

• Silence your phone

• Use website blockers

You'll complete more work in these focused blocks than in four hours of interrupted time. Set a timer and resist the urge to check any notifications until it rings.

8. Team Communication

Share your focus schedule with your team. After establishing your notification-free periods, communicate them clearly.

Reference the productivity gains you've experienced to encourage adoption.

Steal my team communication SOP here

9. Set Clear Expectations

Define clear response time expectations. Tell clients and colleagues when they can expect replies to non-urgent messages.

Most people respect boundaries when they're clearly communicated.

10. Voice for Urgency

Use voice messages for urgent matters. Digital communication tools work poorly for time-sensitive issues.

Send a voice message or make a quick call instead.

That’s it.

Here’s what you learned today:

1. Configure Focus Mode on all devices

2. Batch email processing three times daily

3. Disable Slack during deep work

4. Remove notification badges

5. Use maximum two screens

6. Audit notification settings weekly

7. Work in 90-minute focused blocks

8. Share your focus schedule

9. Set clear response expectations

10. Use voice for urgency

Start with one principle this week and track the difference in your productivity.