We all have our guilty pleasures. Whether it's watching too much TV, scrolling through social media, or playing video games, it's easy to get caught up in Mindless Entertainment (ME). But if you're not careful, these activities can start to take over your life and prevent you from achieving your goals.
Ever wondered about the real cost of Mindless Entertainment (ME)? I certainly hadn't, until a few months ago. My wife and I sat down one night and we estimated that we spend between 5 to 8 hours on ME every week – and that was just the evening hours, after we'd finally wrangled the kids into bed! And that doesn't even begin to account for the countless times we mindlessly checked our phones throughout the day.
What if we could spend about 80% less of that ME time and instead, spend that time being productive? For us that would mean 4 - 6 hours every week of extra time spent on activities to make our life better. Well, thats what we did.
So, what did we do? We decided to break free from the clutches of Netflix and Facebook. We only watched one movie a week and reduced our phone screen time drastically. We often had to remind each other. Trust me, those initial days were like wandering through a maze of withdrawal symptoms. My brain tried to trick me into finding other avenues for my TV fix. But guess what? Fast forward a few weeks, and it's like Netflix was just a distant memory, a mirage in our entertainment desert. Plus, the cherry on top? Our savings account is doing a happy dance to the tune of about $240 extra each year, thanks to our newfound resolve. And you know what else? We're genuinely happier!
With a decrease in mindless entertainment, our family has embarked on a journey towards growth and advancement. Our moods are up, our stress is down, and it feels like we've hit the GPS jackpot – our path ahead is clearer than ever. But wait, there's more! We're not just more productive; we're also fostering our relationships. Oh yes, we've unlocked the hidden treasures of spending quality time with each other (cue the collective "aww").
And how, you may wonder, are we deploying this newfound wealth of time? Buckle up! We're masterminding future escapades like weekend getaways and meticulous meal plans. Financial dreams? We're sketching them out. And guess what else? We're indulging in mind-expanding audiobooks and eye-opening documentaries, all while scheming ways to pump up our income and cut down on costs. Our home? Cleaner than before, thanks to those spur-of-the-moment house chores. And yes, there are days when we hit the sack early to rise and conquer the gym before the world even wakes.
You might be asking yourself, "Can they keep it up?" That's a question we ask ourselves too. But one thing's for certain: we're on a mission. A mission to shatter the chains of ME, to stomp on the siren call of endless scrolling, and to carve a life that's richer, more meaningful, and brimming with purpose. And if our journey inspires even one more soul to kick-start their own ME detox, well, that's a victory worth savoring.
So why are so many people hooked on ME?
Mindless entertainment is any form of entertainment that requires little to no mental engagement. It can include things like watching TV, playing video games, or scrolling through social media. While mindless entertainment can be enjoyable in moderation, it can also be addictive and difficult to quit.
There are a few reasons why people find it so hard to quit mindless entertainment. First, it provides a quick and easy escape from reality. When we're feeling stressed, bored, or overwhelmed, mindless entertainment can offer a temporary reprieve from our problems. Second, mindless entertainment can be very stimulating. It releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure and reward. This can make us crave more and more mindless entertainment, even when we know it's not good for us.
Finally, mindless entertainment can be very habit-forming. We often get into a routine of watching TV or playing video games after work or school. This routine can be hard to break, even if we want to.
If you're struggling to quit mindless entertainment, there are a few things you can do. First, try to identify the triggers that make you want to engage in mindless entertainment. Once you know what your triggers are, you can start to develop strategies for avoiding them. For example, if you find yourself watching TV after work, try to take a walk or read/listen to a book instead.
Second, make a list of activities that you enjoy that are not mindless entertainment. This could include things like spending time with friends and family, learning a new skill about something you are interested in, doing any kind of physical activity like stretching, walking etc. When you feel the urge to engage in mindless entertainment, try to do one of these activities instead. Now make that list! and make sure you can access it easily.
Finally, be patient with yourself. Quitting mindless entertainment is not easy, but it is possible. Just keep trying, and eventually you will be able to break the habit.
Here are some more tips I found for quitting mindless entertainment:
1. Set limits on your screen time. Decide how much time you want to spend on mindless entertainment each day, and stick to it.
2. Get rid of distractions. If you find yourself constantly checking your phone or laptop, put them away in another room when you're trying to relax.
3. Find a support system. Talk to friends, family members or your spouse about your goals of quitting mindless entertainment. I recruited my wife and together we supported each other. They can offer support and encouragement as well as holding you accountable..
Quitting mindless entertainment can be challenging, but it's worth it. When you're not constantly bombarded with stimulation, you'll have more time to focus on things that are truly important to you. You'll also be less stressed and more likely to feel happy and fulfilled.
True success is not about money or fame. It is about feeling fulfilled and satisfied with your life. It is about making a difference in the world and leaving your mark. When you are truly successful, you feel a sense of peace and contentment. You know that you are living your best life and that you are making a positive impact on the world.
How on earth will you be truly successful if you are wasting boatloads of your time on ME? Keep asking yourself that. It's a very important question which begs to be answered.
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