Let's see what happens
We all consume too much media.
We are addicted to it. There's no need to act like you're not. When is the last time your phone was more than 5 feet away from you?
The other day, Jules and I were both feeling a little overwhelmed with media. I don't know if it was coincidence or if it was divine, but both of us decided, independently, to not listen to any podcasts for the day and just listen to music. Music that made us feel good.
When we got home that day, both of us felt great.
Look, I love podcasts. But the more I do this, the more I am coming to understand that more information is not better. It's kind of like consuming calories. Too much is bad and most of it is empty. It's just extra weight that can't be burned off.
As fate would have it, I am reading The 4 Hour Work Week and I am on a section that talks about information overload.
In this particular chapter, Tim Ferris recommends a media fast. It sounds liberating. I'm going to do it. Here are my rules. For one entire week,
No newspapers, magazines, audiobooks or non music radio. Music is permitted at all times.
No news websites whatsoever.
No television at all, except for one hour of pleasure viewing each morning. (Good, because we are deep into Halt and Catch Fire so we need that hour each night).
No reading books, except for this book (The 4-Hour Work Week) and one hour of fiction pleasure reading prior to bed.
No web surfing at the desk unless it is necessary to complete a work task for that day. Necessary means necessary, not nice to have.
I am adding an additional rule. I am only going to check my email 3 times a day. Once when I sit down with my coffee to check my morning revenue reports, once when I get back from lunch and once before I leave my office.
What will I do with all that extra time?
Well, when I need to be working, I will do my work and I will do it well. But aside from my daily tasks, I am going to have conversations with people. I am going to call friends and get lunch. I am going to call my mom and my uncle and my gram to talk. I am going to work on writing my book. I am going to reach out to people who I can be of service to and find if there are any ways to help. Maybe I'll go to the beach in the afternoon or walk around the park.
Maybe, I will find some time to socialize and enjoy all the blessings this life has to offer.
I will check back in one week and let you know how it went.