In January, I listed some of my goals for 2015. Since I’m a glutton for punishment, one of those goals included giving up TV for a month. I know what you’re thinking.
You’re totally going to miss the 3rd season of House of Cards.
I know, I know.
I’m currently trying to remedy that situation by binge watching as many episodes as I can.
I also didn’t choose a great month because of NCAA March Madness and considering I’m an alumni of Michigan State University, this could be especially tough. That said, the Final Four and Championship are in April, so if my Spartans perform as expected, I may not miss them play.
So why am I giving up TV for one month?
In short, to bring more focus. You have to keep in mind, I spend a majority of my day writing, wracking my brain to come up with some creative copy, editing countless projects and proofing things on the fly before they go live. Sometimes the only thing my brain can handle when I get home…is mindless TV.
Unfortunately, that mindless TV can turn into a distraction when I’m trying to be productive. The hubster jokes that I’m unable to watch a movie without doing something else. He’s totally right. I’m usually reading an article, writing on the blog or researching something on the internet.
But think of how much more productive I could be without trying to multitask while paying attention to the TV and complete whatever I’m working on. Plus, I may actually finish reading a non-travel related book this year!
So, that’s why.
I realize that some of you may be thinking that giving up TV may seem like such a first world problem. Guess what? It is. I’m totally aware of that and I’m hoping that giving up TV adds a bit more to my life than the Real Housewives does.
Just for clarity sake, I sometimes joke that I wasn’t raised by wolves, I was raised by TV. It has very much been my refuge when things are tough or I want to escape. Sure that’s embarrassing to admit, but the reality is I’m sure some of you can identify with that.
Hey, intravenous drugs could have been my refuge. So, winning?
A few conditions:
This month is more about not actively watching TV.
- We have a social life (shocking, I know). If we’re at a restaurant or bar, I won’t be asking them to turn off the TV.
- The hubster likes to fall asleep to the mind numbingly awesome show, Forensic Files. If it’s on when I go to bed, I won’t be asking him to turn it off. I’ll read or set the sleep timer.
- If I don’t finish watching House of Cards, I may have to complete it since it’s my duty as an American. Plus, Netflix isn’t TV, right?
- If a national or international disaster occurs, I will turn on the news.
- Funny YouTube videos don’t count. Especially squirrel videos.
Wish me luck. Say a prayer. Send Starbucks.
Would you ever give up TV? How long do you think you could do it?
Love that picture on the runway, how did you do? were you satisfied with your time and effort?
I watch an average of 2-3hrs of tv/wk, usually news with a bearing on world events, not hyped tear-jerker sensationalism to suck in viewership (90% of news these days). There is so much more meaningful stuff to do in the real world like playing outside, or training, or a million other things.
I have a tough time sitting through a movie, so I know what you’re talking about, it’s just too sedentary and I get enough of it ‘writing, wracking my brain to come up with some creative copy, editing countless projects and proofing’- I do that too!
I know I’m an anomaly but I’ll never try to convert anyone, though I have a lot more time to be productive; heck, I even have time to cook all my meals, use the best ingredients, and be decadent in the little things in life. I never skip breakfast because I have sooooooo much time.
You know you’re going to miss the finale of the Bachelor right? 🙂
Haha. One of my other girlfriends mentioned that too! I may watch some trash TV, but I draw the line at The Bachelor. Sorry, Kelly! 😉
TV is the WORST when you’re trying to be productive!! I went sooo many months without TV (since last April) and I got so much more writing done. And then for the last month in Singapore, our place had a large flat screen and channels that played American shows and movies, and omg I spent like ALL my time in front of the TV. I think no TV is a good thing :). Good luck! (But btw, I think Netflix totally counts as TV. It’s sooo easy to binge watch shows in there!)
I’m so glad to hear that. Day 11 and I’ve definitely noticed a difference in my productivity. I also agree with you about Netflix. I had 2 episodes left of House of Cards, and I still haven’t watched them entirely yet. Haha. I didn’t dare turn Netflix on just to browse because that’s another marathon waiting to happen!