Cut My Number and Reclaimed My Time
Posted: Mon May 26, 2025 10:16 am
Cutting my phone number was one of the most counterintuitive decisions I’ve made—especially in a world where constant connection is considered essential. Like most people, I thought my number was a non-negotiable part of life. It was how people reached me, how businesses verified me, and how I navigated both work and social expectations. But over time, I started to realize how much of my attention was being hijacked by calls I didn’t need to take, messages I didn’t need to read, and the constant background hum of being “reachable.” So I made the leap—I cut my number. And surprisingly, the world didn’t fall apart. In fact, I gained something far more special database valuable: my time.
Life without a phone number has taught me how much of our availability is assumed, not chosen. The first few weeks were an adjustment. I had to set up alternative communication channels like email, messaging apps, and video call platforms. I had to notify key people about the change, and yes—some verification processes were a hassle. But once those systems were in place, I found myself less distracted, more in control of my schedule, and far more present in my day-to-day work. There’s something freeing about knowing your time isn’t being interrupted by robocalls or sudden pings. Every message I get now comes through a channel I’ve consciously chosen to use—and that makes a big difference.
Reclaiming my time didn’t just improve my workflow—it improved my mindset. I no longer feel like I’m living in reactive mode, jumping every time my phone lights up. Instead, I approach communication with intention. I check in when I’m ready, not when I’m told to. Cutting my number wasn’t about disconnecting—it was about reconnecting with what matters: focused work, meaningful conversations, and time that feels like it actually belongs to me. For anyone feeling digitally overwhelmed or just sick of the noise, I highly recommend taking a hard look at your number. You might find, like I did, that the real power move isn’t staying connected—it’s choosing when and how to connect.
Life without a phone number has taught me how much of our availability is assumed, not chosen. The first few weeks were an adjustment. I had to set up alternative communication channels like email, messaging apps, and video call platforms. I had to notify key people about the change, and yes—some verification processes were a hassle. But once those systems were in place, I found myself less distracted, more in control of my schedule, and far more present in my day-to-day work. There’s something freeing about knowing your time isn’t being interrupted by robocalls or sudden pings. Every message I get now comes through a channel I’ve consciously chosen to use—and that makes a big difference.
Reclaiming my time didn’t just improve my workflow—it improved my mindset. I no longer feel like I’m living in reactive mode, jumping every time my phone lights up. Instead, I approach communication with intention. I check in when I’m ready, not when I’m told to. Cutting my number wasn’t about disconnecting—it was about reconnecting with what matters: focused work, meaningful conversations, and time that feels like it actually belongs to me. For anyone feeling digitally overwhelmed or just sick of the noise, I highly recommend taking a hard look at your number. You might find, like I did, that the real power move isn’t staying connected—it’s choosing when and how to connect.