The May Day Challenge

by Startacus Admin
Join Startacus member Jay Boolkin in his promise to turn off his phone for just one day during May and experience what it’s like to have a real break. Check out the May Day Challenge...
Here's Jay's call to action!
"Some of us have become so used to using technology that we have forgotten how to act in a world void of it.
I’m sure one of the most common phrases heard at family dinner tables nowadays is, “put away the phone”. Being so occupied with our devices means we almost end up living our lives through them and subsequently lose connection with ourselves.
Having said that I have a confession to make: I spend a lot of time using technology. A lot. I check my emails in the middle of the night, I can’t go to the bathroom without my phone and I often text and drive (I know, idiot). Being ‘connected’ has become a normal part of my everyday life, just like breathing – it’s hard to imagine even one day without it.
If you’re reading this, you most likely have an idea you are thinking of kickstarting or have a project you are working on at the moment, or perhaps even a number of them. No matter what stage you are at, it’s no secret that trying to make your dream a reality is an absolutely engrossing journey. When it comes to online startups, it inevitably requires spending countless hours on the Internet and the phone - networking, researching, developing, learning, creating, and the list goes on. And you’ll do it all if you really believe in your idea, no questions asked.
As an aspiring entrepreneur who is working nonstop on my startup, one of the biggest challenges I have faced recently has been simply finding time to stop – slow down, unplugged and take a breath. While I am a huge fan of technology and its enormous benefits, I am discovering that my usage habits have downsides – socially, emotionally and professionally. Staring at my smartphone as often as I do means that I miss out on the beautiful and wonderful things that happen around me (and sometimes right in front of me) every day.
My compulsion was all starting to take its toll, so a few weeks ago I had a casual conversation with a mentor about going tech-free for a few days, or even one day. He agreed that life can be very demanding and from time to time we all need a break and a chance to recharge and enjoy the things that really matter. It was from this conversation that spawned the idea for the MAY DAY challenge.
MAY DAY is about helping people reconnect with the world around them in the spirit of love, friendship and charitable giving. It’s super easy to get involved. Simply make a promise to turn off your smartphone for one day in the month of May or donate to charity. The amount you will donate if you don’t keep your promise, and the specific day you go phone-free, are entirely up to you.
So this May, let’s give our eyes, ears and fingers a much-needed and well-deserved rest.
Join me in making a promise to turn off the phone for just one day and experience what it’s like to have a real break. For me it’s going to be a strange experience, but one that I’m looking forward to."
Are you up for the MAY DAY challenge? Unplug and reconnect at www.promiseorpay.com
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
Andrea Szell, Founder of Spare Desk shares some insights on the positive impact that sharing a workspace can have on our mental health.

The lowdown on Oxford Quantum Circuits, the innovative Reading-based startup that's on a mission to make quantum computing accessible to all.

Sodexo Live! and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural North America Innovation Lab.

Startups founded by students and recent graduates from the University of Edinburgh secure SMART:SCOTLAND grants to help support their ambitious and innovative projects.

Lydia Kothmeier, VP of Operations at Storyblok shares insights on the processes and policies that every startup should have in place in order to make remote working work.

The lowdown on HoloToyz, the Irish startup and its products for kids that can come to life through the power of augmented reality.

Inbound Investors 2022 providing NI businesses with the opportunity to pitch directly to leading UK investors over the course of one day.

Enterprise CMS Storyblok launches Storyblok V2 in a bid to further empower teams to create and scale standout audience experiences.

The lowdown on Nothing, the London-based startup that's creating innovative connected products "to make tech fun again."

The lowdown on Athos, the Spanish startup that has created a customized climbing shoe that's been made with 3D printing technology.
Published on: 2nd May 2014
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Sodexo Live! And L Marks Seeking Startups and Scaleups for first ever North America Innovation Lab 5th Aug 2022 Sodexo Live! and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural North America Innovation Lab.
- Innovative University-supported startups secure £500,000 in grant funding awards 4th Aug 2022 Startups founded by students and recent graduates from the University of Edinburgh secure SMART:SCOTLAND grants to help support their ambitious and innovative projects.
- Registrations Open for Inbound Investors 2022 2nd Aug 2022 Inbound Investors 2022 providing NI businesses with the opportunity to pitch directly to leading UK investors over the course of one day.
- Storyblok Launches New CMS Experience to Shape the Future of Digital Storytelling 1st Aug 2022 Enterprise CMS Storyblok launches Storyblok V2 in a bid to further empower teams to create and scale standout audience experiences.