Searching for peace of mind ✍️
A few weeks ago, a tweet caught my attention. Someone mentioned that after using Things, they couldn’t go back to less aesthetically pleasing apps.
The more I thought about this, the more I realized it also applied to me.
I'm drawn to nice-looking things.
But as I reflected deeper, I realized it’s not just about looks—it’s about the calm these designs bring.
Coincidentally, at the time of the tweet, I switched from TickTick back to Things, even though TickTick is feature-rich and far more powerful.
Why? I found myself getting distracted by its many features and not overly pleasing design. Things, on the other hand, is simpler. It may not have as many options, but its clean design provides a sense of calm. It helps me focus on what matters and even be more deliberate about what I add as it requires more effort.
iPhone’s Focus Modes have had a similar effect on me. By limiting the apps I see based on the mode I’m in—whether it’s work, morning, or evening— I avoid distractions. Less clutter on my screen means I can focus more easily.
It’s a small change, but it brings a sense of control and peace.
Another example can be found in MyMind. I love using it to store articles, movies, and more. It doesn’t use folders, as by design, AI and mainly smart search help you find anything you saved. But seeing everything I saved on one pile felt overwhelming.
Switching to Spaces as my homepage helped. Now, I see everything organized by categories I created, which instantly calms my mind. It’s not just about better navigation—it’s about feeling in control of my digital space.
Reflecting on these experiences taught me that minimalism and design are more than just an aesthetic choice. It’s about reducing digital clutter to create mental space.
At the end of the day, it’s not about having the tools with the most features, but about those that bring peace of mind, or at least allow customization to achieve this.
I wasn't aware of all this until I started reflecting on it and wrote it down.
I'm curious to hear if you also need mental calm or have had similar reflections.