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One Simple Habit That Completely Changed My Life
Seriously, it's made such a big difference.
Marina Wyss
March 20, 2025
Welcome to Gratitude Driven, a weekly newsletter where I share practical ideas and insights across personal growth, professional development, and the world of AI and data science.
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One Simple Habit That Completely Changed My Life
I know, I know. Another “life-changing hack.” 🙄
But this one genuinely is life-changing, and it is REALLY easy.
Here’s the problem I was having: I work from home, and I realized that I had my phone with me literally 99% of the time. It was on my desk while I was working, at the dinner table during meals, and next to the bed when I was sleeping.
I had a habit where whenever I was training a model or waiting for some slow data process, I would grab my phone. I even noticed myself grab my phone while I was already watching TV! Gross.
And this was happening even though I ALREADY don't have social media on my phone. There really wasn’t that much on there that should have been distracting me.
So, I did something crazy.
I started leaving my phone in one place in the house, right near the entryway.
Now when I come inside the house, I put my phone down. It stays there while I work and I only check it for the occasional two-factor authentication (this part is annoying, but at least I get my steps in…), and maybe on my lunch break or after work. I don't even take it with me when I go on walks after work.
Before bed, I read my Kindle instead of scrolling on my phone.
As a result, I am spending WAY less time on my phone, and I'm zooming through books. Now during downtime at work I either read a technical book, or grab a fiction book I have on my desk if I need a little break. I think I’ve read about eight or nine books so far since I made this change a few weeks ago.
If you don't work from home, try just leaving your phone in your bag or a drawer at the office. Seriously, the freedom from not feeling the tug to touch it is great, and I am way more focused. Plus, I am more in charge of how I spend my downtime.
I've since learned this technique is called the "Landline Method." It can help:
Avoid doom scrolling
Sleep better (since you shouldn't look at your phone before bed)
Spend your time more intentionally
Give it a try - your focus and free time will thank you!
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