Overcoming My Skepticism: My DDRD Experience

I fought against this for a long time.

I didn't warm up to digital reading until recently.

Now that I have a device set up correctly, it’s been a solid addition that’s improved my reading habits.

I want to share what a dedicated digital reading device is, why I was against it, and what changed my mind.

What Is A DDRD & Why I Was Against It

It’s pretty much what it sounds like - a digital device for reading.

That means if you get a tablet for your “DDRD” it’s for reading.

Not for:

• Candy Crush

• Instant Messaging

• Notifications

• Slack

• Work Apps

For years I had avoiding getting one, even though I saw the utility in reading on something larger than my phone to open links, play videos, add notes, etc.

Why?

I thought that having more digital devices would mean more distractions and didn’t want the cost and mental overhead of another device.

I still think that the mental overhead is valid - but the cost on smaller tablets has come down drastically and so long as you don’t have to have an iPad, you can get your hands on one for less than $100 (more discussion on the issue here).

That’s the background, but what’s the reality?

Recommended

My Experience With A DDRD

A dedicated reading device establishes a clear mental boundary, signaling to your brain to focus solely on reading.

This intentional shift is helpful for developing a habit of immersive reading, especially when you could just as easily be using this tool for non-reading activities.

Importantly, you have to set up your device for reading:

• Limiting the number of apps installed

• Limiting the messaging and communication apps

• Enabling grayscale to minimize distraction

• Setting notifications to off or Do Not Disturb

To see more about this in video format, click here.

So far it’s been a good experience and has actually resulted in me clearing my Readwise inbox more frequently while also getting more inbound information.

Having a dedicated device that’s lightweight, has good battery life, and is set up to promote reading first has been a good experience.

I’d recommend grabbing one for yourself and giving it a shot if you think it would also improve your reading habits.

Extra Extra

• Good reminder that changing things without a plan for measuring results is just…changing things to change them.

One quick question 👋

I love hearing from readers, and I’m always happy to hear feedback from active subscribers. How am I doing with the Productivity Academy newsletter? Is there any content you’d like to see more or less of? Which parts of the newsletter (or articles, or podcast) do you enjoy the most?

Hit reply and say hello, happy to hear from you!

P.S. Looking for resources to improve your productivity? Check out the tools I use right here.