How to make space in a world with too much technology | Daniel Sih | TEDxHobart

How we need space from the online world to think deeply, rest fully, and reconnect with people in our lives, and this requires a new set of productivity skills and practices.
Daniel Sih is a productivity expert, award-winning author and CEO of Spacemakers, a productivity consulting group in Australia and Canada.
His first book, "Spacemaker" won six international awards, including the Axiom Business Book Award (USA) in 2023 for Work-Life Balance and Time Prioritization, and an Australian Business Book Award in 2021. His newest best-selling book, “Raising Tech-Healthy Humans,” is a practical guidebook to help parents reset their children’s tech- and life habits.
Daniel is the creator of Email Ninja, List Assassin, and Priority Samurai training, with more than 20,000 students online and offline. Located in Hobart, Australia, he is married with three kids and loves mountain bike riding in the Tasmanian bush. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@ManicBrainpoint]

"Space to connect with nature." This stood out. I'd like to be able to incorporate nature in my daily routine.

[@Daniel_Sih]

Yes that's one of the ways I most enjoy making space. I love the silence and time to reflect on life's meaning.

[@jacobtosh]

The thought of having a phone free day was scary and liberating at the same time. Definitely going to try it.

[@sophiawalters6908]

The analogy of the glass representing our finite capacity was so on point. It's a visual reminder that we can't just keep adding without overflowing. Makes you wonder what we're sacrificing for endless notifications and screen time

[@annemery885]

Yes, I completely agree with what he's saying/his advice. Also getting out in nature is so valuable for mental health and reconnecting with your internal world. Strongly suggest that for everyone.

[@Iamshawnawashington]

The best moments in life are rarely online-that hit me hard. Need to make more space for those simple, human, and offline moments that truly matter.

[@kaydenjasmins]

"We all need a bit more space in a world with so much information and noise." This line really hit me.... I have these moments when I've been doom scrolling where it all of a sudden feels so loud and crowded in my head.

[@luna-marco]

The concept of "pace and space" as the yin and yang of productivity is something I've never considered. It makes so much sense though.

[@iammatrixmike]

Starting the day with intention rather than diving into the digital noise is pretty valuable. Sets you up properly for the day!

[@hubert-olszewski]

I love this message, we need to make space for our selves, first and foremost.

[@shannonpscofield]

as someone who deals with anxiety, this talk definitely got me reflecting on how my tech habits might be exacerbating that. time for some real talk with myself!

[@pierremartinetto]

This talk made me reflect on the importance of space in our lives. It's not just about technology; it's about embracing our humanity and savoring life's real moments.

[@spacemakersaustralia]

Love this comment - while I talk about tech in this talk, my message is always about how to live intentionally and embrace the best of humanity. So grateful that it came through.

[@sorinareina]

The concept of the "productive Middle" is intriguing. More tech doesn't always mean more output. It's about finding that sweet spot.

[@spacemakersaustralia]

And that sweet spot shifts over time - but being aware of when to lean into pace, and when to push into space can be helpful :)

[@shiasmarglent8554]

The examples of your kids' best moments were heartwarming. Simple, real, and human experiences seem to outweigh the digital ones. 🌈

[@Daniel_Sih]

Oh - thanks for that comment. It's so hard as a dad to make space to be truly present... but so important. I plan to share a lot more tech-healthy parenting videos on my channel in the coming month :)

[@gracefairbank]

The connection between real, relational moments and feeling truly human resonates. It's a reminder to focus on the people and experiences that bring joy and fulfillment rather than a quick dopamine hit, over and over and over lol

[@TheJazHong]

Loved the piano analogy about neuroplasticity. Shows how habits shape us, for better or worse.

[@Daniel_Sih]

Oh I feel your pain - I think my day would be seriously unhinged if I lost my router for a a few hours... a bit sad isn't it. But there's benefits in it all as well. Thanks for your comment.

[@keranskeckter]

this talk has me rethinking my whole "grind 24/7" mentality. maybe taking breaks to rest and recharge is actually the key to peak performance

[@rebeccadcarl]

I've always thought being constantly online meant being productive, but this really challenges that idea. It's a refreshing perspective on balancing technology with real-life experiences. Definitely something to ponder.

[@charlottewebbnotthebook]

After listening I'll never get everything done and prioritising task load is more important, I felt a wonderful sense of calm.

[@spacemakersaustralia]

That's great to hear. One thing I do each week is write down 5 tasks or 'big rocks' that are most important to me -- the stuff that goes in my glass first - and then anything else that I achieve is a bonus. I find this helps me continue to put first things first and not stress as much about the overflow :)

[@theshare3780]

"Pillow talk with your spouse, not your phone." Brilliant advice. Gotta prioritize human connections over constant screen time.

[@Daniel_Sih]

It's kind of funny when you think about it... we choose a phone over our loved one! But we all do it - thanks for your comment :)

[@randomthought1556]

Making space for real life sounds so simple yet so difficult in today’s world. It feels like we're robbed of everything... time, space, connection, nature... all of our opportunities to enjoy those things are being taken from us

[@00Zeropie00]

"The breadth and depth of all that life has to offer beyond the screen." Such a poetic way to express the need for more offline experiences.

[@spacemakersaustralia]

Thanks for your comment - the world is so vaste and there's so much to celebrate...

[@wendyrocha8331]

I appreciate the reality check Daniel gave us. Accepting that we can't do everything is liberating. It's time to prioritize

[@spacemakersaustralia]

Thanks for your comment. It's quite liberating when we accept the hard reality that we will never get everything done and can therefore be deliberate in what we allow to flow in and out our lives.

[@shaquille.oatmeal9576]

Gotta appreciate the reminder to enjoy life beyond screens. The more time goes on the more normalized it's going to become for us to spend all our time in front of one

[@Daniel_Sih]

So true... there's so much value in the online world, but we can lose our sense of reality if we don't broaden our experiences of life. Thanks for your comment.

[@g8m8]

The idea of making space in a cluttered world is profound. It's not just about technology; it's about reclaiming our humanity.

[@spacemakersaustralia]

Love it ...

[@chancecormac]

Your piano practice analogy really struck a chord with me (pun intended). It's amazing how our brains adapt to our habits.

[@spacemakersaustralia]

Good pun! Thanks for sharing :)

[@fenglov9111]

Love the productivity insights here! I've always believed in the power of intentional habits.

[@darioconsolata8691]

The piano analogy for neuroplasticity is fascinating. It makes me wonder about what other habits are shaping our brains without us realizing? It's probably so much more than we know

[@SinfulTrust]

I grew up without television. Hard to imagine right? We played cricket in the street and went fishing in the stream down the road. Totally different but great healthy fun.

[@georgemanu]

It's eye-opening to consider the concept of making space in our lives for what truly matters. Going to try some tech-free days myself!

[@Daniel_Sih]

That's fabulous - I'd love to hear how you go being tech-free! It's such a healthy way of living a balanced life with and without technology.

[@lucy-diamonds]

I can so totally relate to Daniel's statement, "when I spend too much time staring at a glowing rectangle I feel wired and tired and distracted"

[@deanskyler]

The struggle is real-being always online, always available. Can relate to the need for that one day a week to unplug and experience a different kind of day.

[@josievannorman]

A tech-free day is scary but the idea of gaining a bit of independence from the constantly connected world is intriguing. Time for a little experiment!

[@venmfate]

Never thought about technology and productivity as an upside-down curve. Mind blown! Time to reassess my tech habits for sure

[@thecryptichatter]

interesting take on productivity in the digital age. actually excited to try those spacemaker habits!

[@oscarnotreallyawiener]

I like this talk, simple yet insightful

[@oilverdennison]

tech-free meals sound like a great way to reconnect. going to start with that!

[@huskybutler]

A thought-provoking analysis of the relationship between technology and productivity. I appreciate the visual representation of the curve, showcasing the diminishing returns of excessive technology use. It's a reminder that more technology doesn't automatically equate to more productivity. I'm curious to learn more about the habits of keeping pace and making space, and how they can be cultivated to lead a happy and healthy digital life

[@phillipnorris3rd]

Very true, thanks for sending me the link..

[@TheBestCuddleBug]

I think it's making time for the little things... the worst about so much tech is how much patience we've lost. We expect everything to be now now now so when it takes a little while sometimes you forget about it

[@glennhamilton3rd]

I like the idea of making space being about our humanity and I agree the type of life we want to live is all about being aware of the decisions we're making.

[@Daniel_Sih]

For me, the whole spacemaker philosophy is really about intentional living -- making deliberate choices about who we are and what we value, rather than simply going with the flow. Tech is part of this, but can't be the driving force of how we live. Thanks for your comment!

[@kessiepoole7406]

Daniel I love that you are shedding light on emerging issues and providing inspiration and strategies to help us to create space for wellbeing. Social media and technology more widely can be a space for connection if it's used in an interactive and intentional way, however so important to put down the technology and connect with loved ones face to face where possible, put our feet in the grass, and have meetings with ourselves (once we've scheduled the time for intentional thinking and self-care 😂). Thanks for inspiring me to make space Daniel.

[@spacemakersaustralia]

I love this Kessie - "put our feet on the grass." That's a lovely image of the simplicity of life.

[@eliasOcarpenter]

Wow, this hit home for me. Feeling the overwhelm of digital life and the constant online buzz. Definitely need to make more space for the real stuff.

[@elissazachary3790]

I loved the idea of having a tech-free meal with family or friends. definitely gonna try that out and see how it feels to connect without any screens in the way

[@Daniel_Sih]

Perfect - let me know how you go! If you have kids involved, my favourite question at dinner is "What's your high, low, Gruffalo" - that is, a high point from the day, a low point from the day, and something random or strange or interesting ... leads to brilliant conversations! I also have a video on my Spacemakers KZbin channel about tech-free meals. Thanks for commenting.

[@imnotq5509]

Daniel's talk challenged me to think about the best moments in my life and yes, none of them have taken place online - time to make more space!

[@Daniel_Sih]

Love that - I have to keep doing this again and again to remember what truly matters, and make space for these things. We so easily forget in the whirlwind of life, hey!

[@mayaquinton]

I appreciate the reminder to create space for meaningful moments with my children. I'm going to try incorporating some tech-free activities into our routine to savor those simple, human experiences.

[@aaronsswank]

I appreciate the analogy of the overflowing glass representing our limited time, energy, and attention. It highlights the constant barrage of information and tasks we face daily and as someone who values focus and reflection the idea of making hard choices about what we prioritize/allow into our lives really resonates with me

[@spacemakersaustralia]

Thanks for your thoughts Aaron. It's so true that making space for focus, deep thought and reflection now involves hard choices. It may have always been hard to give attention to these things, but now it's truly an art that needs practice and commitment - a set of skills worth mastering.

[@jasminelovell]

The emphasis on the importance of space and reflection really resonates with me. I find that I'm quite easily overwhelmed by a constant stream of information and digital noise so the idea of making deliberate choices around it makes me feel pretty empowered.

[@wzhen9391]

I've always found solace in nature, and this talk resonated with me. It's true; we need space to connect with the world around us. I'm lucky to live in an area surrounded by nature, and I make it a point to go for walks without any devices.

[@Daniel_Sih]

That's perfect - I feel the same living in Tasmania, Australia. Such a gift to have spaces to walk and ponder.

[@onurgalbas]

All of this is so true! Practicing the internet can change our brains. I'm going to be more intentional about my online habits.

[@juliaverdouw9828]

Loved this Daniel Sih! Such an important message for our time.

[@geoffdeeprose9469]

I love technology, but Daniel's talk made me think about the impact of digital overuse and why it's important to find a balance

[@iamtherealyesman]

The piano analogy really got me thinking. Just like practicing the piano, practicing the internet shapes our brains and I'm definitely not intentional with my "practice sessions"

[@pamcampbell3920]

It really is surprising how quickly everything has moved to online. I'm still surprised when one of my kids says "Oh I'll do this online" and then you just have to do whatever else. I often think about how much we're sacrificing for "convenience"

[@1ElementalTeam1]

It's weird to think the late 80's babies were the last generation to have a full developmental 10 years of not relying on technology. It is wise to remind and teach people how to take a step back and be present. Great talk Daniel!

[@jorgeestoban]

Daniel makes a great point about the need for some breathing room in our lives amidst the crazy digital world and I totally get the whole glass analogy - it's like our time, energy, and attention are constantly overflowing. Making tough choices about what really matters and then setting/keeping to boundaries around what we allow in our life can be so difficult but I really do see the benefits of it

[@-OpenDiary-]

The struggle with technology impacting health and happiness is real. I think it's difficult to find that balance but if we're making conscious decisions around it everyday, it'll get easier.

[@emkegillis]

This talk really made me think on how much I rely on technology daily. Like if my router goes out for more than an hour I feel like my whole day is wrecked, and that's not great.

[@FirewalkProphesy]

It's fascinating to see the connection between technology and productivity framed as a curve. I'm going to assess my tech habits and see where I fall on that curve. It might be time to make some adjustments.

[@rangerstv602]

he made such a good point about how we're basically "practicing the internet" for hours every day. no wonder my attention span is shot! 😅

[@Daniel_Sih]

You might like our podcast, The Spacemakers (season 1) ... it's all about how to retrain our fractured attention, one practice at a time. Thanks for commenting.

[@ularesser]

Daniel's productivity curve is eye-opening! I'm definitely on the right side. Time to reclaim some space!

[@BeenFoundTwice]

I appreciate the tips on how to prioritize humanity in a world dominated by technology. When you're working from home and all your social interactions are online the real world starts to seem.... weird.

[@joopanders]

How clever of Daniel to start his talk with an overflowing glass trying to contain more.

[@spacemakersaustralia]

It was also fun - the TEDx organisers had to bring 2 large towels to clean up the mess :)

[@raewyngrezi7517]

Man I could not agree with this more. I had drinks with a friend of mine last night and she didn't look at her phone once while we were together. It was amazing.

[@TheRealShinedownShimmy]

The fear of missing out is huge for most people. Not sure WHY they need to know but it's a real thing.

[@miyahnna]

Yes!! I've recently started _insisting_ on tech-free meals and it's been really nice to see the family connect as a whole. Thanks for reaffirming this for me!

[@spacemakersaustralia]

A truly keystone habit - well done! It's a game changer for families... with lots of research to back it up.

[@IAmTheSwagRat]

This talk really hit home for me. It's so easy to get caught up in the digital clutter. Time to make space for what truly matters.

[@HeavenlyProphet]

I agree with Daniel on tech-free meals. It's amazing how much more deeply you can bond with people without those distractions

[@spacemakersaustralia]

My favourite question to ask my kids at dinner is this: "What is your high, low, Gruffalo" -- a high point from the day, a low point, and something unusual or funny or interesting. Such a winner question!

[@theclassicraphaelsanchez]

I used to feel FOMO about unplugging, but after hearing Daniel's talk, I'm eager to reclaim some space in my life.

[@therealjuanschmidt]

Appreciate how he articulated the essence of being and the richness of real, tangible experiences.

[@kiarakillian]

Natural born speaker, well done Daniel!!!

[@donschuster]

I'm intrigued by the concept of space in the digital age, especially after hearing Daniel highlight the need for reflection, creativity and curiosity... I can see how these things are often neglected amidst the busy-ness of our lives. I feel like it's a really thin line between the balance of utilizing technology for productivity and going into a space where you're just hurting your brain

[@spacemakersaustralia]

Great insight ... I think it'll always be a thin line and the best way to walk it is to build self-awareness about the benefits and challenges of tech -- awareness lets us self-monitor and develop patterns and habits that work for us, rather than against us :)

[@jaberahmed9947]

L❤❤❤

[@parksungwoo4730]

There has to be a balance between enjoying technology and finding moments of disconnect without going completely off the grid.

[@spacemakersaustralia]

Certainly true - a bit like Cal Newport in Digital Minimalism, I find that it's often helpful to disconnect more fully to recalibrate our thoughts and behaviours, so we can then reset our everyday use in a way that aligns with our values. Thanks for your comment :)

[@zoezanders]

Curiosity and creativity need space to thrive and my addiction to social media is not helping me find that space. Thanks Daniel, I needed this!!

[@Daniel_Sih]

Thanks for your comment - curiosity keeps us growing and learning. So important!

[@darkrathma]

A day without technology seems extreme, but the idea of gaining more than you miss out on is intriguing. Might start with a few tech-free hours and see how it goes.

[@undeadmerlinisalivenow]

My family made the decision to have tech free meals, it was a tough adjustment period with weird amount of awkwardness for people who live together haha but we've gotten into the groove now and it's actually been (mostly) really nice.

[@maehaslet]

A tech-free morning routine would definitely be a big change for me lol

[@kristyphoney]

These are some really interesting insights into tech and productivity... I think it's time to reassess my habits because I have been in a bit of a slump creativity wise.

[@Daniel_Sih]

Love your comment - from my experience, technology can augment your creativity, so long as you have times when you are not online... to mind wander, think deeply, allow yourself time for both deliberate practice and creative spontaneity - so again, it's about the patterns of keeping pace and making space. Good luck! Keep creating!

[@danthemanishere]

Great advice Dan! 🙌

[@mattgruic]

I agree about more technology not really equalling more productivity. When I was at school and learning how to do technical drawings for jewellery design I absolutely loved it, then we got to the CAD stage and it was so difficult it put me off the whole course.

[@Daniel_Sih_]

Great example - thanks for sharing!

[@leilaniresterdin]

I resonate with the struggle to unplug. But his space-making habits are inspiring me to give it a try.

[@traceyavery8788]

Wow Daniel, I absolutely loved this... THANK YOU..

[@spacemakersaustralia]

Thanks Tracey - it's so good to hear how the message of making space is impacting people positively.

[@idimarus3278]

It was wonderful to agree I'll never get everything done and that's ok. Information will keep coming at me and I need to make decisions about what's important to me. Thanks for that insight.

[@peterdgrubb]

Never thought of all this in that way... I can see how it's not just about unplugging but intentionally creating mental breathing room. Never thought about those differences or why that's important

[@bigdollarsigns]

brb, gonna go charge my phone in another room tonight and see how it feels to wake up screen-free tomorrow morning! wish me luck 🙏

[@natashaislier]

Tech-free meals sound like a challenge but for distraction-free quality time with loved ones it would be worth it 💜

[@Daniel_Sih]

It's so true... I think eating together is one of the most profound ways of connecting with each other again. Thanks for watching.

[@melitakemp335]

Fabulous Dan 👏. It did amuse me that I am watching this on my phone. Making space is a practice I am working on. Thanks for bringing it to my attention on that original blog post. 💕

[@spacemakersaustralia]

Thanks Melita - and yes, it's ironic that the only way to share the message of making space by unplugging is through KZbin and social media! Thanks for leaving a comment :)

[@grahamredman51141]

Dan, so proud of you teaching from the Fedx platform, you shone with an strong anointing which must bring peace to an angry generation.

[@busterbeansishere]

Daniel's talk made me realize that digital exhaustion is a real thing. I'm going to unplug more often and recharge.

[@spacemakersaustralia]

It's totally a thing - good to hear that it's been a helpful insight. I'm hoping we can start discussing the connection between 'digital wellbeing' and 'personal wellbeing' - all related. Thanks for watching :)

[@bethdanskin]

My brother is studying to be a teacher and he told me that one of the things they covered early on was about focus/distractions and that checking your phone and looking at social media has the same effect on your brain as smoking a joint! Like in terms of how your brain loses focus. I just think that's so crazy

[@spacemakersaustralia]

So true... great comment. I've just released a podcast - 'The Spacemakers' - that is all about our brain and recapturing our focus. Such a big topic. Thanks for your reflection.

[@girlontopoftheworld]

I appreciate the suggestions for creating 'small pockets of space'.

[@iamthefootyfan]

I think it would be really interesting and helpful to explore practical strategies and tools that can help us achieve the equilibrium Daniel is talking about. Very much appreciated this talk, Thank you.

[@spacemakersaustralia]

Great comment - yes, being a TEDx talk these are macro-concepts and ideas. But drilling down is where the magic happens - in the workplace, for example, how to re-think communication overload as a team, reduce email volume, focus on fewer projects etc; and personally, how to make space to think deeply about where you're heading and the lifestyle habits needed to achieve a better balance, in and around tech.Thanks for watching :)

[@diffez]

Great work Daniel. Your books are fantastic!!

[@spacemakersaustralia]

Thanks Brendan! It's such a gift to share some of the basic ideas more broadly in this way.

[@Shaunalbegley]

Love this!

[@ElissaLok]

Me too! 😊

[@bencycaitlin]

Daniel presents a compelling argument about the need for space in our lives amidst the overwhelming digital age that feels a little ironic considering how we're all viewing that message 😂😅

[@TheBooTThing]

Yeah I am so guilty of starting and ending the day on my phone. It almost scary how surreptitious it is, but I'm working towards breaking those habits!

[@thezoeriley]

It's refreshing to hear someone talking about the value of space amidst all the hustle and bustle. Great talk, Daniel!

[@karlaknight]

I love that he can live in Hobart and still communicate with others around the world. Being preoccupied with his phone seems a small price to pay.

[@spacemakersaustralia]

It truly is a beautiful part of the world :)

[@MyStrifeLife]

ok I'm officially inspired to start building some "space maker" habits into my daily routine. baby steps, but I'm excited to see how it shifts things.

[@Daniel_Sih]

LOVE this! Let me know how you go - just pick one small habit and build some space :)

[@jessieskelly1622]

Brilliant job Daniel!

[@spacemakersaustralia]

Thanks Jessie ... really appreciated!

[@ListHeist]

I think Daniel is right that the best moments in life are often the simplest and most human. The downside to that is for every best moment there's about a million really boring ones.

[@spacemakersaustralia]

So true. Although I reckon there's meaning in the mundane, small and insignificant moments as well. Just harder to find. Thanks for your thought.

[@bestnewtunes8363]

"Exercising without earbuds" would be quite the challenge for me lol but I can see how it creates a space to think your own thoughts/process them a bit more and that sounds like a pretty decent pay off.