Less Is More: Embracing the Single Monitor Setup

Remember CRT monitors? I do, and at one point, I had two of them set up side by side. It felt so modern and futuristic at the time, and that was the beginning of my dual-monitor setup. That was many years ago, and now, in 2024, I’ve decided to work with only one monitor on my desk. No dual monitors or any variation, including a laptop screen with a monitor. Just a single monitor, every time.

The reason for this decision is focus. Whenever I am limited to a single monitor, my concentration sharpens, and my productivity increases. For example, if I’m on a plane working on my laptop or iPad, the quality of my work often improves. Whether it’s coding, writing, or image editing, everything I do tends to be better when I’m using just one screen.

Having one monitor helps me focus on what’s in front of me. If I need to view more than one window at a time, such as when checking how an app I’m developing looks in a browser, I can split the windows on my laptop or iPad. I’ve moved past the idea that two or more monitors automatically make for a better setup.

Years ago, when I first set up dual monitors, there were far fewer distractions on my desktop. I didn’t even own a smartphone. My first setup was two CRT monitors connected to two different computers. I remember working on one while the other was used mainly for displaying information, like logs, a music library, or a browser window. So, even though I had two monitors, most of my attention was still focused on just one.

As technology improved, it became easier to display multiple applications on several monitors from a single computer. At work, I started using two monitors, but I found myself constantly switching between them due to notifications, emails, browsers, and code editors. The idea of having more screen space sounds great at first, but the reality is you often end up moving your head and eyes too much just to see everything. Is a dual-monitor setup really more productive? For me, it’s not—at least not anymore.

These days, I enjoy going to a coffee shop to write, just as I’m doing now. I bring my 14-inch laptop, pull it out of my bag, open iA Writer (one my favorite writing apps), and start typing. No emails, no music playlists, no chats, and no multiple app windows. Just one window with “focus mode” enabled. It’s a joy.

For those who are always searching for productivity hacks, here’s a simple one: work on one screen. Focus on the task at hand. Don’t split the screen unless absolutely necessary.

Every time I work with constraints, I find that both my focus and the quality of my work improve. Having fewer options forces your mind to concentrate on a single task and do it well because there are no distractions. For example, when I’m on a plane or in a coffee shop, I only have one screen in front of me, and I’m usually confined to a single seat. While I can move around in a coffee shop, that’s not why I go there. I often work alone and try to finish as much as possible before needing a break. These constraints make me more efficient. I don’t waste time, and I avoid distractions like my phone or other devices.

A few weeks ago, I moved my home desk from a dark, small room to our bright bedroom. As the days grow shorter with the season, I try to get as much natural light as possible. Moving my desk to the bedroom, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, was an obvious choice. When I set up my laptop, iPad, and two 27-inch monitors, I decided not to use both external monitors anymore. So, I took one down and set it aside. After two weeks with this setup, I’m very happy with the change. My efficiency has improved, and so has my ability to concentrate.

One potential downside of using a single monitor is less eye movement, which could contribute to computer vision syndrome. However, whether you're using one, two, or more monitors, it’s a good idea to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to alleviate eye strain.

The older I get, the more I appreciate simplicity. Fewer things, fewer processes, and fewer distractions. The photo of my desk above does not represent that, but trust me, it looks a lot simpler now. At the same time, I’m enjoying life more—traveling, spending time with loved ones, walking, watching movies, and reading books. It’s a strange contrast, but I’m embracing it. Looking back, I wish I had this mindset when I was younger. It might have helped me focus more and be more productive, perhaps leading to an easier life. Then again, who prefers an easy life when you can have one full of challenges, failures, learning, and growth?

Until next time, have a great weekend!