Close to a year ago, my tv antennae (or coaxial cable) failed to deliver a signal. At first I was mildly perturbed, but then I thought “I might just hold off on getting this repaired”. I was curious as to how long I could go without tv. It turns out, the answer was and is quite some time. Disclaimer: the Internet still offers many options for tv viewing. However, what’s interesting is how much easier it is to do more purposeful activity when the temptation is removed.
When it comes to goal setting, there are many simple daily events and routines that keep us from doing less than we’d hoped or aimed for. Sometimes, opportunities come along (like a signal-less tv) that should be jumped on because they make our goals slightly more achievable by removing the temptation to do less. In this instance, I didn’t have to actually actively do something to make it happen. However, there will be opportunities we can look for ourselves to remove small temptations that lead us to better habits. Every little bit helps so why not make the most of the little things.
You might ask: what have I gained since the box has been out of action? Well, firstly “watching tv for the sake of it” is completely gone and not even contemplated. Secondly, I am more conscious of what I do in the evenings. Is it more time with loved ones, more time reading, more time studying, more time in the garden or more time doing physical activity. All of these for me amount to a better outcome then sitting passively in front of the tv. But there will always be a time for downtime and that is part of our recharge, so we needn’t become too austere. At least now though, I can seek out programs I want to watch through the Internet and have a specific time to enjoy them rather than simply becoming entirely inactive and soaking up whatever is on offer.
Why not have a think about the temptations in your life that could be easily removed. Even removing one could lead to better outcomes for your goals and sense of being. Every day is a new opportunity to be more of who we want to be in life. Removing the temptations that prevent that is half the battle.