Overcoming Phone Addiction

Dive: Break Diver - Habit Breaker
Description: Has broken a bad habit
Level: Level 1
Level Requirements: Has reached Day 7 of a 21-day habit-breaker program, formal or personal
Certified On: Oct 18, 2026

Editor’s Note: On all dive certifications, we try to edit the writing as little as possible to preserve authenticity, personality, and writing style. We typically fix spelling errors, but minimally modify grammar and sentence structure (just enough to ensure readability).

Name: Monroe Mann Break Diving Level: Level 2 Number of Certified Dives: 17 From: United States In: United States

1. When and Why Did You Decide to Pursue This Dive At This Level? What was your inspiration and motivation?

I decided to pursue this dive earlier this month. Right before I went down to Florida. I decided I have to stop spending so much time on my phone, and on watching tv and movies, and just randomly looking at screens.

2. How Long Did It Take For You To Accomplish This Dive At This Level From The Day You Decided To Pursue It, And Why Did It Take That Long?

I accomplished this in 7 days, and it took this long, simply per the dive requirements.

3. What Was The Hardest Part About Achieving This Particular Dive Level?

The hardest part of any addiction is simply STOPPING. And overcoming the terribly strong urge to regress precisely when you do try to stop. I was so accustomed to being drawn in to the tv and movies, and the habit of looking at my phone.

4. What Was The Easiest Part About Achieving This Particular Dive Level?

Once I got going, I realized that it wasn't really an addiction after all. If I had to, I could have kept going. I didn't even watch any movies or tv on my flight down to Florida, even on the plane. On the way back, I did watch an episode of one show, but I consider that a reasonable divergence.

5. What Is Your Advice For Someone Who Is Pursuing This Dive And Level?

1. Go into it knowing it's going to be tough.
2. Recognize that you are stronger than you think you are.
3. After you complete the challenge, don't feel bad if you return to some of the prior habits, as long as it's at a much lower rate than before. Otherwise, then, what was the point?

6. What Are Some Of The Best Resources You Recommend to Those Pursuing This Dive At This Level, And Why Do You Recommend Them? Please Include Relevant Weblinks, If Applicable.

I have found a few items to be helpful. You can download Push Clock and Rise Reps, which are mobile apps. I use them to break me out of any non-productive activity. I also recommend you tell others about this challenge. Not just those on Break Diving, but those in your immediate local circle as well. Here are some others:

Resource 1: Book: Time Zen - This is a helpful reminder of how important your life goals are, and if you waste your time... not good.

Resource 2: Book: Habit Stacking - While this book doesn't talk about bad habits, if it helps you create new good habits, you're likely to break your bad habits.

Resource 3: -

Resource 4: -

Resource 5: -

7. Tell Us A Story Of One Of Your Adventures While Pursuing This Dive (At This Level).

The biggest realization I had while pursuing this dive was how much time we really have in the day once you stop doing silly stuff with it.

The other realization is that even those who are really good at time management can themselves fall into poor habits. We have to take inventory of what bad habits we have.

After the 7 days, I did return to using my phone more, and watching tv and movies, but with a few changes:
1. I knew I could quit, therefore, my continued use was my choice. It wasn't because of laziness.
2. My time watching tv and movies dropped considerably after the 7 days. Same for phone use. And a month later, it's still lower. That's a win.
3. I am learning to be more forgiving of myself. As an entrepreneur, I basically work 7 days a week. So spending half a day every once in a while watching tv shows is basically my weekend. Further, spending just 5 hours a day working, means that after 7 days, that's 35 hours. A full work week. So as long as I'm clocking in those 35 hours, what difference does it make what I do in my off time?

8. What Evidence Did You Submit to Prove You Met the Requirements for This Dive and Level?

I made the original post in the community on the day I started. I kept Ismail abreast of this, and also other members in the community.

9. Will You Be Pursuing The Next Level For This Dive? If Yes, Why? If Not, Why Not?

Absolutely, because I still have work to do. The next one is a 21-day habit program. I am going to have to figure out which one. I think I may choose the good habit of staying positive on average every week for 3 weeks. That's 21 days. It could also be to work on Break Diving and YouTube every day for 21 days.

10. What is the Break Diver's Creed?

No Rules. No Excuses. No Regrets.

The community motto is: Dream Big. Mentor Often. Achieve Together.

Certificate photo:

And having made this post, and provided adequate evidence to the dive committee, Monroe Mann is now hereby certified by Break Diving, Inc. as: Break Diver - Habit Breaker - Level 1. Congratulations ! Thank you for being an inspiration to others!

Certificate number: 2092

The author above wrote this WYSEguidance post as one of the certification requirements to become certified by Break Diving, Inc. for a dive completed. Would you also like to find greater success, happiness, and friendship, and make genuine supportive connections with others around the world pursuing your same dreams? Come join us at Break Diving and soon your story will be the next one you read about on this site!

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