My local gas station usually puts up motivational or religious thoughts on their marquee, right below the prices. (I think it’s because when you see the price you need a pick me up after the sticker shock.) This week’s offering said, “Dear God, please help me pay attention only to what is important.” While I usually read his messages and ...
I can’t tell you how many time I have heard people comment that they don’t have time to do a variety of cost saving jobs (make their own lunch/dinner, cut coupons, etc) and yet they can tell you the plot of virtually every TV sitcom and they all know every contestant on Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, etc.
I watch about 1 hour of TV per week and I might spend 1 or 2 hours per week reading on the Web. I have managed to raise 3 kids, have a succesful career, cook most meals, clean my own 4 bedroom house and grow a garden most summers. Sure, I might get everything done that is on my list at the end of the day, but I usually go to bed feeling satisfied that I made the most of the time I had.
Personally I don’t need hours of non productive leisure time. I would much rather putter in my garden or make something interesting for dinner.
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Good advice here. I thought that not having a TV would mean that I would be able to avoid that particular time-sink. However, many shows are available online, through things like the BBC’s iplayer (for the Brits). So I still had several hours a day being wasted in front of my laptop. I realised that avoiding wasting time really takes a conscious effort and since I’m by no means an expert, articles like this really help me to focus on what’s important.
I always try to be productive while I watch TV. I do enjoy relaxing and watching TV but I need to be doing something productive with my hands at the same time or I feel uneasy. Sometimes I knit or do other craft projects. Sometimes I clean or file paperwork..
I used to think I didn’t have enough time to do all the things I needed and wanted to do. It’s baloney. I recently quit my job and have all the time in the world. I still don’t get done what I don’t WANT to do. It’s can’t vs. won’t everytime. People say they can’t which really means they aren’t willing to do it.
I frequently ask myself – “is this what I need to be doing right now?” Another thing I ask myself is “what else needs to be done right now?” Both of these questions will frequently get me back on track. I think this works if you don’t have 1 big goal you are working towards, but just trying to accomplish day to day things. I love your question as it forces you to compare what you are currently doing with your big goal.