Tori Kelly says deleting apps helped her slow down

Tori Kelly says John Mark Comer’s The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry helped her rethink busyness, delete nonessential apps and focus on presence after becoming a mother. She discussed the book on the YouTube series Books That Changed My Life as her new album centers on faith, family and gratitude.

Why it matters: - Kelly’s comments point to a broader pushback against nonstop busyness and constant phone use. - Her shift toward presence also lines up with the themes in her new album, “God Must Really Love Me.” - The episode offers a personal look at how a public figure is trying to protect time, attention and family life.

What happened: - Tori Kelly appeared on the YouTube series “Books That Changed My Life” with host Chris “Bulldog” Collins. - Kelly discussed “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by John Mark Comer. - Kelly said the book helped her slow down and reassess her habits around work, phone use and presence. - Kelly said she began thinking differently after becoming a mother to her son, Zayden.

The details: - Kelly and Collins read Comer’s “hurry sickness test” on air. - Kelly identified with several items on the checklist, including irritability, hypersensitivity, restlessness, workaholism and emotional numbness. - Kelly said the line about modern life being “too alive to die, and too dead to live” described her closely. - Comer’s book recommends reducing time on a phone and deleting nonessential apps. - Kelly said she deleted the basics, including Twitter, Instagram and other social media apps. - Kelly said she started from zero and redownloaded apps only when they felt necessary. - Kelly said she did not miss certain apps, including Instagram, even after going a long time without them. - Kelly said she uses an age-80 thought experiment to check whether she is living the life she wants. - Kelly said she worries about looking back and wishing she had been more present with her son and the people she loves. - Kelly said she asks herself what she wants to feel like as an old woman and said she does not want regrets. - Kelly said her new album reflects faith, family and gratitude instead of pressure to stay relevant. - Kelly said she would rather live a quiet life and find peace than chase the next big thing. - The episode is available to watch in full here.

Between the lines: - Kelly’s experience turns a self-help book into a practical pop-star reset: fewer apps, more boundaries and more attention on home life. - Her comments suggest that the real tradeoff is not productivity versus laziness, but speed versus presence. - The album framing reinforces that message, using music to mirror the slower pace Kelly says she wants.

What's next: - Kelly is continuing to promote “God Must Really Love Me.” - The full episode gives more context on how books shape Kelly’s life and creative choices. - The “Books That Changed My Life” series continues with other high-profile guests and personal reading picks.