I'm a tech CEO who tried to give up my smartphone for a year. I wasn't fully successful - but it did make me a better leader.

Without all the bells and whistles of a fully-loaded smartphone, I've been able to be extremely intentional with my time. Instead of answering emails and slack messages as they come in, I have designated times throughout the day when I check my email, and people have learned how to get in touch with me (a phone call if something is urgent, and an email if it can wait). This leaves me with uninterrupted blocks to focus on the big picture: how my company is evolving and how to communicate that to my clients and my team. You'd think pulling back on constant communication during this critical growth phase might have been a hindrance, but I've actually found it was necessary to help me develop as a leader.

Dumbing down my smartphone let me engage more fully in meetings and have more conversations with people face to face. It gave me a better read on my team, which is particularly important given how quickly we've grown. I've even started to notice a trickle-down effect, with some of my employees making a conscious effort to cut back on their smartphone use as well.

I should note though — while it's cool to see other people being more conscious of their phone use, I'm not out to inspire copycats. If I've learned anything this year, it's that forming a healthier relationship with technology is a highly personal thing.

Even though I've gone back to my smartphone, I've still achieved a lot of the goals I set one year ago. I'm much less susceptible to the distractions of technology, and I see my smartphone as a tool, not a toy. Imperfect as it may be, I still use a "dumb" phone on nights and weekends, which allows me to be much more present with my family and friends — and I've (mostly) gotten over the urge to zombie scroll to avoid boredom or awkward social situations.

Most importantly, though, I've realized breaking your smartphone addiction isn't all or nothing. You don't have to sign up for a digital detox or go cold turkey like I did. Even simple actions, like leaving your phone in your backpack during the work day or turning it off during dinner, can be a catalyst for positive change. If that works, getting a dumb phone and using it on the weekends is an easy next step.

The important thing is to find a balance that's right for you. So try it out. You might be surprised at just how easy it is — and how good it feels — to put some distance between you and your smartphone.