Having to reset all of my devices allowed for a helpful reset of my systems
Thanks to a passcode debacle, I had to reset my iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch — so I used the moment to start fresh rather than restore from backups. I started with a clean install of each and have been rebuilding from there with an intention to minimize the total number of settings adjustments and apps. This moves me back towards my earlier, mostly defaults setup.
After the initial install, I added a handful of apps:
- Day One is still my journal app of choice
- Waking Up keeps me centered
- The Economist is my primary source for news
- Reeder is my inbox for the internet
- Micro Social is my all-in-one Micro.Blog app
And then added back most of my portfolio of health apps: HealthFit, Strava, TrainingPeaks, Training Today, and Zwift Companion. TrainingPeaks is only to get workout from my coach, otherwise I’d be happy to exclude it. Plus, I keep getting closer to dropping Strava. I’m only using it these days to keep track of what my friends are up to, not for any of the actual fitness features.
Specifically on the iPad, I’d accumulated many “TV apps”, like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. I much prefer watching my shows on a proper TV. So, haven’t added these back to the iPad.
I’d also accumulated many experiments with home screens, focus modes, and widgets. I’m back to just a few simple ones now with very few apps or widgets on screens.
We’ll see how long this simplified approach actually lasts. I’m always keen to try out new apps and systems. That said, it is nice to have clean, simple setups that further reduce the temptation to stare at screens and fiddle with settings.