Avoid Destraction With This iPhone Shortcut

This iPhone Shortcut can help you save time by keeping you focused and intentional, especially when it comes to avoiding distractions like social media. The technique, known as "Stating Your Purpose," is something I learned during my two years volunteering with a young adult organization. The idea is simple: every time you open an app, you’ll be prompted to type out your purpose for using it. By clearly stating your intention, you’ll stay focused on your goals and steer clear of distractions.

Step 1: Create a new note in your Notes app titled "Record of Purpose."

Step 2: Open the Shortcuts app, navigate to the 'Automation' tab, and select 'New Automation.'

Step 3: Type "App" into the search bar and select the option 'App.'

Step 4: Choose all the apps you want, select 'When Opened,' then choose 'Run Immediately,' and deselect 'Notify When Run.'

Step 5: Select 'New Blank Automation.'

Step 6: Search for the 'Date' action. This will add the current date into the shortcut.

Step 7: Search for the 'Append to Note' action. For the content input, add a single line break (press return), and select the 'Record of Purpose' note you created in Step 1.

Step 8: Repeat Step 7, but in the content section, select the "Date" variable.

Step 9: Repeat Step 7 again, but this time, in the content section, select "Ask Each Time."

Step 10: Click "Done" to finish!

I am going to be publishing more Shortcut tutorials in the near future! Let me know what you think.