Derek Sivers describes tech independence as not being dependent on any particular company or software. I like the idea. But before I make that my goal, I need to get back into the game. To clarify, just like I don’t call myself an aviator because I take flights, I don’t call myself a techie just because I use a laptop, a mobile, and I know the full forms of AI and LLMs. I am going to make progress towards tech independence in phases. Phase One is going to involve setting up and managing my personal email, contacts, and calendar.
The task is definitely tougher than just signing up for a new Gmail account, but it’s not as complicated or hard as it might sound. A little research, a small learning curve as I figure out new tools and technologies, a few changes to my daily workflow, and some patience will do the trick.
Even before I read Derek’s take on tech independence, I was done being the product. Most services I used were free because I was the product. They were profiting by selling my data or by locking me into some proprietary system. Neither is acceptable.
Many of the tech services I was using were also unnecessarily bloating my digital and daily life. Software was getting easier to use. Combined with cheap storage and cheaper data, I began postponing decisions. I can’t remember the last time I paused to ask whether I really needed to subscribe to some newsletter, or add a contact, or delete a video someone had shared. Many of these decisions would have been an outright NO if there were constraints. Instead, I bloated my life because convenience removed the cost of saying yes.
Intuitive tech meant I stopped learning how the tools I use actually work. I learn best when I tinker. I was doing almost none of that. Somewhere along the line, I had given up conscious friction in favour of experiencing unconscious convenience. I intend to change that.
By June 30th, 2026, I intend to set up and manage my email, contacts, and calendar. I am looking forward not just to the challenge but to the friction.
To me, this isn’t just about email, contacts, and calendar. It’s about reclaiming competence.
Competence that makes my digital life smaller.
Competence that lets me be a customer — not the product.