Have you ever seen a movie about a battle? Think about how many things have to happen at the same time: one group moves forward, another provides cover fire, and a third sends a message to the commander. For all of this to work, everyone needs to be on the same clock. A wristwatch wasn’t just a cool accessory; it was a tool that gave leaders control over time, making sure everything was in sync.
Your mind is a bit like that battlefield. There’s a lot going on all at once—school, friends, hobbies, and, of course, social media. So, how do you keep it all organized and stay in control? You need a good “wristwatch” and a powerful “pen.” This idea comes from an article by Noel DeJesus, a combat veteran and author, who wrote about the tools of a modern soldier: a watch and a keyboard. You can read the full article, “Watches, Words, and the Warfighter,“.
1. Your Watch: The Power of Being Present
In the real world, a watch helps you track time. In your mind, the best watch you can wear is mindfulness.
Mindfulness means paying attention to what’s happening right now. Think about it: a military leader needs to know what’s happening on the battlefield at this very moment, not what happened an hour ago or what might happen tomorrow.
When you’re scrolling through TikTok or Instagram, it’s easy to get lost. You might start comparing your life to a friend’s perfect-looking vacation, or feel left out because of a party you weren’t invited to. This is where mindfulness comes in.
- Be a “Time-Tracker”: When you feel overwhelmed or sad after being online, take a moment to ask yourself: “What am I feeling right now? Why am I feeling this?” Just like a clean field watch has no unnecessary parts, a mindful mind focuses on what’s important at this moment, without all the extra noise.
- Set Your Own Clock: Social media is designed to keep you scrolling forever. You’re giving your time away without even realizing it. Try setting a timer for 15 or 20 minutes when you go online. When the alarm goes off, it’s a reminder to be present in your own life again. Your own “watch” helps you take back control.
2. Your Pen: The Tool of a Critical Thinker
Noel DeJesus’s article talked about how writing isn’t just about documenting the past; it’s about thinking critically about the future. It’s a way to “test ideas and challenge assumptions.”
When you’re online, you’re not just looking at pictures and videos; you’re reading “stories” and “narratives” that people have created. Some of these are real, but many are designed to make you think a certain way.
This is where your “pen” comes in. The “pen” represents your ability to be a critical thinker.
- Don’t Just Read; Analyze: When you see a post or a video, don’t just accept it as true. Ask yourself:
- Who made this?
- Why did they make it? Are they trying to sell me something? Get me to agree with them?
- Is this information coming from a reliable source?
- What am I not seeing? What’s the full story?
- Write Your Own Story: Just like an after-action review helps a soldier learn from a battle, keeping a journal can help you learn from your own experiences. When you’re feeling down about something you saw online, write it out. What happened? How did it make you feel? This act of writing helps you understand your own thoughts and emotions, so you’re not just reacting without thinking.
Ready for the Digital Battlefield
The article states that “Watches and writing demand the same things: discipline, clarity, and intent.”
Your mind is a powerful tool. To use it well in today’s world, you need these same three things:
- Discipline: The self-control to use social media mindfully and not just react to everything you see.
- Clarity: The ability to see through the noise and understand what’s real and what’s not.
- Intent: The purpose to use your time and energy on things that matter to you, not what a social media algorithm wants you to do.
So, the next time you pick up your phone, remember your “watch” and your “pen.” Track your time well, be present in the moment, and don’t forget to capture the lessons learned. Your mind is your battlefield—make sure you’re ready for the fight.