Why choose Untethered?

March 12, 2023

Ever download a self-control app and wonder why it's so hard to start the block and get work done? That's because most self-control apps don't activate until you really want to -- or absolutely need to focus. Sometimes, you might even feel like you have to start a block before getting any work done, making things even harder. This friction towards doing work makes it harder to get stuff done normally as the activation energy to get started with work is higher.

Difference #1. Untethered is not about blocking, but like having two phones.

Picture you have two phones, a modern Nokia and an iPod Touch (with data). With your Nokia, you can make calls, use basic navigation, and text your friends. With your iPod Touch, you can go on TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit.

Now think about if you could only bring around your Nokia. That would be limiting right? What if your iPod touch was in your other pocket, and you decided not to use it unless you really had to, and you could leave it at home if you really needed to focus. Now you have a surefire way to block stuff!

Difference #2. Untethered moves the activation energy from starting work to starting distractions

Traditional blocker apps involve high activation energy. To focus, one must usually:

Build up the willpower
Open a self-control app
Start the block
Then try to focus

That’s a lot of time spent resisting the urge to open other apps and spent on ignoring notifications. And it puts the activation energy on doing work, making it even harder to be productive.

Some blocker apps have schedules built in, but those apps work best for those with a fixed schedule that doesn't change much and offers very little flexibility. What if you wake up an hour or two early?

Difference #3. Built-in support for the physical world

Like having two devices, Untethered lets you leave your distractions at home if you want to.

Summary

Untethered is a patent-pending physical card that flips the equation, making it harder to become distracted instead of harder to start working.

untethered