My In-House Ban on Television

Well, I'm finally taking the advice of nearly every successful person I've met when it comes to television.  Okay, at least a step in that direction. 

Now I don't think I'm as bad a TV-holic as some people, and at least a good portion of my viewing includes stuff from the History Channel, Discovery Channel, Science Channel and a few others that don't typically count as the "junk food" of TV-land (reality TV, sitcoms, etc). 

That said, I was thinking about the past year and realized I had no idea what the storyline was for that episode of Family Guy that I watched one year ago.  Nor did it have any significant impact on me reaching my goals or adding any meaningful value to my life (although you have to admit, that show is pretty funny). 

If I had read some profound book, visited some really cool place in downtown DC (only 20 minutes away) or done just about anything else, the chances are a lot better that it would have had more of an impact than that TV show.  Of course, the book could have sucked, the place downtown could have ended up being horrible and so on, but that's not really the point now is it?

I'm not saying I'm totally getting rid of TV.  But it's going to trimmed down quite a bit and batched like everything else…probably left for Sunday which is my day to relax anyway (gotta' love TIVO).  Like I said, not getting rid of everything, but I did go through my TIVO and whack just about every sitcom and other junkie program.  Stuff that's still on the list:

• The Universe (I love space stuff)
• Human Weapon (yes, I should go take a martial arts class in lieu of this show)
• CSI, Law and Order (because I'm weak and can't give those up yet… )
• Dogfights (goes back to my Air Force roots…yea, I could take flying lessons instead…already did that though)
• A few travel shows, for inspiration and ideas
• High Net Worth (CNBC show that everyone should watch to balance out all this doom and gloom about the so-called market)
• A handful of others…

Other things to fill the time void include:

• Exploring the nation's capital
• Road trips to places nearby
• Reading / listening to audio books (literally infoproducts at a fraction of the typical cost.  I recommend Audible.com)
• Learning how to cook (sorta' know already but could be better and it's an excuse for me to buy a new grill)
• Some other stuff…I have a list around here somewhere

Note that none of the things on that second list are things that are done at the computer…because of course, that's not the goal.

I guess you could call this an "experiment in lifestyle design" like what Tim Ferris talks about over at the 4 Hour Work Week blog.  He also recommends Audible.com in that link, plus more great gifts if you're still looking.  Sheesh, you're still not done shopping for the holidays!  (Me either…)

Anyway, that's one of my personal plans for 2008.  I'll let you know how it goes.

(Note: I find it funny that when I've told most of my family and friends about this idea, the first response I've usually gotten is, "Why?".  Must be on to something)

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