@asherhunt I use do not disturb on iOS / Mac OS for silencing all notifications during deep thinking or sleep. I'm sure equivalent exists for Android as well.
Design systems are there to help companies cut costs, and increase productivity. Good design is making intentional decisions to solve problems, not simply designing a one off unique form element. I think your argument is rather weak.
Biggest boost to my design chops in the olden days: Learning as much as possible about typography.
Heirarchy, grid (or not!), tone, mood, readability, information retention... the biggest impact is most often from smart use of type. Learn type.