**The Power of Brief Work and Limiting Tools**  

I’ve been experimenting with a different way of working, one that feels surprisingly effective but goes against the usual advice. Instead of long, focused sessions or grinding away at problems, I’ve been **mostly stepping away**—doing other tasks and only engaging with my projects in short, intentional bursts. And here’s the twist: the key to making this work has been using my phone.  

This approach isn’t about finding solutions by taking breaks. It’s about making **brief interactions the default**, where I tackle tiny problems or tweaks for just a few minutes at a time and then move on. The phone, with its natural constraints—fewer features, a smaller screen, limited multitasking—is the perfect tool for this.  

### Why It Works  

For projects like K-Web and Void—creative, experimental systems that explore the future of knowledge and computing—this method is a game-changer. Computers, for all their power, come with infinite possibilities and distractions: tabs, tools, and choices pulling you in every direction. The phone, on the other hand, forces simplicity. You can only do one thing at a time, and that makes your choices clearer and your focus sharper.  

By embracing these limitations, I’ve found I’m more productive and creative, even when I spend the majority of my time doing unrelated, menial tasks. When I return to the problem, it’s with clarity and precision.  

### How It Feels  

It’s liberating. With this method, I avoid the mental fatigue of long, “perfect” work sessions. I don’t get bogged down in side issues or lose myself trying to optimize every detail. Instead, I make meaningful progress with small, focused inputs.  

The approach feels natural for me—whether I’m exploring new connections in K-Web, tweaking interactive components in Void, or even building toys. It might not work for everything, but for these types of projects, it’s been transformative.  

### Could This Work for You?  

If this resonates, I encourage you to try it. Start with one project. Break your work into tiny, actionable steps. Use your phone or another intentionally limited tool, and see how it changes your focus and flow.  

I’m considering making a screen recording to show how this works in real time. If that sounds interesting, let me know in the comments. For now, this is just a way to share what’s been working for me—and maybe inspire you to rethink how you approach your own creative work.  

Let me know what you think. Is this something you’d try? Or do you already work like this? I’d love to hear your thoughts.