Hey friends,
If you've been following this newsletter from the beginning, you probably know I’m very passionate about all things related to technology. It’s simple—I love it in every aspect and I’m fascinated by how much it can help humans become more productive and develop not just ourselves, but our society as well. This doesn’t mean I’m not conscious of the fact that it’s a double-edged sword. With technology, great advantages have arrived, but also significant challenges. One of the biggest, if we can’t manage it well, is the pull of endless entertainment, and that’s the topic I’d like to focus on in this edition.
Lately, I’ve noticed a troubling trend in my daily routine—my phone has become a constant companion, and not in a productive way. What started as a useful tool for personal and professional tasks has turned into a source of distraction. I found myself unlocking it for no reason, scrolling through social media or checking notifications that didn’t really matter.
It’s easy to lose perspective and not realize how much time we waste on our phones. We unlock them out of habit, scroll aimlessly, and before we know it, significant chunks of our day are gone. This screen time isn't always bad, but when it’s not purposeful, it becomes a drain on productivity, energy, and focus.
I knew I wasn’t addicted to my phone, but I recognized how much of my time was being spent on things that didn’t bring me value. And that was enough for me to want to change.
I’m always looking for new ways to be more productive and efficient, so this habit really bothered me—'how much time was I losing by not fully controlling this?' I did some research, read articles, and listened to podcasts, but it was one video that made a big impact with small changes, creating huge differences.
If you can relate and want to make a change, don’t miss today’s 'My Personal Growth Discoveries' section.
Cheers,
Fernando
⚓ Maritime Term of the Week
Laytime
In maritime shipping, laytime refers to the time allocated for loading and unloading cargo. It is a crucial term in charter party agreements, dictating how long a charterer has to complete these operations. Efficient management of laytime directly impacts costs and operational efficiency.
What is Laytime?
Laytime begins when a vessel is ready for loading or unloading and the charterer is notified through a Notice of Readiness (NOR) (by the way, if you want to know what is this term, don’t forget to read next week’s edition). It’s typically defined in hours or days. If the charterer exceeds the allotted time, they may face demurrage—extra charges for the delay. If the process finishes early, some agreements offer despatch, a reward for time saved.
Why Laytime Matters
Cost Efficiency: Proper management prevents costly demurrage charges and enhances profitability.
Operational Flow: It helps shipowners minimize port time and maximize fleet utilization.
Risk Allocation: Clearly defined laytime helps both parties manage their responsibilities and risks effectively.
Environmental and Market Impact
Optimizing laytime reduces port congestion and minimizes environmental harm by cutting down unnecessary fuel consumption and emissions.
In Summary
Laytime is a key factor in maritime contracts, affecting costs, efficiency, and sustainability. For anyone involved in shipping, understanding laytime ensures smoother operations and better financial outcomes.
Thank you for joining us on this voyage through the world of maritime terminology. Stay tuned for more insights next week, and as always, feel free to suggest topics or ask questions by replying to this email or sending me a DM!
🚀 My Personal Growth Discoveries
📺 Video: How I set up my iPhone - So it doesn’t ruin my life
After realizing how much time I was wasting on my phone, I came across a video that offered practical tips on reducing unnecessary screen time. The advice was simple but effective, and I started making changes that helped me regain control.
One of the first things I did was turn off notifications from apps that didn’t serve an essential purpose. For instance, Google Photos reminders are nice but don’t add significant value, yet they kept drawing me back to my phone. By eliminating these distractions, I no longer felt the urge to check my phone for trivial updates.
Another change was using focus modes. I created a custom mode specifically for my working hours, which filters out distractions and allows me to stay focused on what truly matters. This has been a game-changer, helping me balance both personal and professional use of my phone without letting it take over my day.
These small adjustments have significantly reduced the time I spend on my phone. I went from over 6 hours of screen time to consistently about 3 hours, which I consider a major achievement. Now, I’m able to use my phone with more intention and purpose. If you’ve ever felt like your phone is taking up more of your time than it should, these strategies are definitely worth trying.
Remember, it’s not about being perfect or cutting off technology entirely. It’s about taking control and making small, manageable changes that improve your daily life. If you're facing the same struggle, know that you’re not alone—and with a bit of effort, you can reclaim your time and focus on what truly matters. You have the power to make that change.
🧠 Wisdom Gems I Heard
Respect people’s time, if you want your time to be respected.
Thank you for reading and have a great week!
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