I’ve been taking some time off to enjoy the summer here in Europe. Whenever I step back from my routine and relax a bit, I gain a fresh perspective on life. It always motivates me to live better.

As I get back into things, I’ve been reflecting on what could make the most significant improvement in my life. My answer? Spending less time being constantly connected.

This isn’t a new realization for me. For years, I’ve tried to reduce my phone usage by simply turning it off. But that became impractical—we’re too dependent on our phones for maps, payments, ordering an Uber, listening to music, etc.

Then, I found a solution: two phones. I call them my kale phone and my cocaine phone. The kale phone has no social or news apps, just essentials like Uber, maps, and food delivery. The cocaine phone? All the addictive and messaging apps.

I turn off the cocaine phone at night and don’t switch it on until I’ve finished what I consider my priorities for the day. When I do turn it on, my brain reacts like a coke addict, always itching for its next hit.

This setup has created two versions of me: one that’s focused and present, free from distractions, and another that’s constantly reacting to WhatsApp messages, emails, anxious about what I might be missing, and never fully present.

Now, I’m considering limiting my cocaine phone usage to just one hour a day—an hour where I sit at my desk and address everything I need to. The rest of the day, I want to be present, working on what truly matters to me. Everyone’s situation is different, but staying connected all the time doesn’t bring me closer to my goals. If anything, it pulls me further away.

What about you? Do you share my frustration, or am I trying to optimize for the impossible?

Also, what’s the one thing that could most improve your life right now? It’s a cool question to reflect on.