In today's cray cray world, it's hard for any of us NOT to feel overwhelmed. I have three kids: it's hard for me to put on clothes without someone crying or yelling for me. So when people suggest things to make my life better, I think: "sure, I will do that! As soon as I win the time lottery!"-aka: never. But then I started to ask myself: "What is no longer serving me, and how can I create more time and space in my life?" The answer was clear: cut out T.V. Now, before I lose all of my readership here, the answer for you may be different. It worked for me, and it has changed the trajectory of my life, permanently. Let me explain....
T.V. has always been a big presence in my life, it's like a comfort food (and can also conveniently be paired with actual comfort foods). When I would have a long day, or if I had the dreadful 5 baskets of laundry to fold (I have three kids, remember?), or if I just needed to relaaaaaaaxxxxxx.....T.V. to the rescue!!! More specifically, Bravo, to the rescue. Real Housewives, Southern Charm (my fave), and Million Dollar Listing were high on the priority list. Then, we got HBO for FREE. Oh boy, this gal was in trouble. There were obviously consequences: I'd stay up and I would eat late...but most importantly: was avoiding things that would truly help me further my career, help my family and help myself. So quit....cold-turkey......not to say it was easy, but I can try anything for a week. Here is what I did instead and here is how it can literally change your life, if you decide to take the plunge too:
1) Change your perception of the T.V. (aka: time vaccuum). That's what my old boss used to call it. He was an eccentric entrepreneur who built a successful business then sold it for some pretty good change. He didn't own a T.V. Look at anyone who is extremely successful and you they probably don't have a clue who the ladies of the Real Housewives are.
2) Realize and admit: you are wasting valuable time that you could be using to better yourself. All the greats have a phrase, and it goes something like this: "While 9-5 and what happens on the job is important, what happens from 5-9, off the job, is infinitely more important."- Zig Ziglar. Translation: of course your job is a big deal (and being a stay at home mama is too!), but if you are sitting around watching T.V. at night, you are not working on your passions, interests, hobbies, or things that can make a huge difference to you and the world. As Tony Robbins likes to say: changing your life in a small way can have massive impact in the long run. This is one small change, but can have very dramatic effects if you stick with it.
3) Fill your time with ACTUAL things to make your life AWESOME! What else can you do instead of T.V.? Well for me, I still like to listen to things so I found some great books online (see below) and also some amazing links on Youtube to listen to (and FREE people). We have so much garbage going into our brains daily (bad news, comparisons from the media, pop culture junk food); so this was a great way for me to off-set and eliminate some of that garbage. Also, I found myself with WAAAAAAAAAAY more time and energy in the first week I cut out T.V. I also got really clear on my passions, how I want to impact the world, and steps to do so.....all within 5 evenings. Had I tried to do this while watching T.V. and with three little kids, it would've taken me years. I found a short-cut. I know it made such a difference because after a week I dabbled by watching some HBO with the hubs and I was back to being overwhelmed, no time left to dream, etc. I still will watch the occasional movie with my husband, but I told him and myself, it will be on a weekend only. This time to me has become too valuable to waste!!
Here are some links to different things you can listen to (while scrubbing toilets, folding laundry or just relaxing in your bathtub!):
Unlimited Power (excellent): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWTJTDhIvf4
Living an Extraordinary Life (and avoid mediocrity): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WDPrDAM2Cc
The Energy Bus: https://www.amazon.com/Energy-Bus-Rules-Fuel-Positive/dp/B001OAAUNC
Just like I tell my clients after they are typed: just TRY it! Try this one simple thing, maybe for a week or maybe for a month.....if you can't give up Housewives, just commit to only watching 1 hour of T.V./ week. Just do something! Give yourself and the world around you a gift: give up the Time Vacuum :)
Be your Best-K
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