De-cluttering Your Time

I've noticed that while I'm de-cluttering my home there is another de-cluttering going on. My time is starting to be de-cluttered as well. I'm not sure when it started but I just noticed it yesterday. I've started doing things in my day more deliberately.

Social Media
For example, I haven't been on Facebook for over a week. What a huge time drain that thing is. Honestly, I don't really care that you went to a great little cafe and had a bagel for breakfast this morning. Why do you think I need to know? Facebook can be a great tool for bringing people closer together. I have family that lives on the other side of the country and I can send them a message at anytime. This is a great thing but it gets to be a problem when people obsess about it. I've been guilty of it myself. Sitting staring at the screen waiting for a comment, any comment on a status update or a photo I just uploaded. To the point of not doing anything else!

I've removed all the social media apps from my smart phone. I'm not saying I'll never be going back onto social media sites just not as a time killer or for some validation from people whose opinion I probably don't really care all that much about anyway. I certainly don't need them on my phone. When I'm out, I want to be more present. Not "there but not there" if you know what I mean. We all see them. People sitting in the most amazing of spaces and just looking at their screens chatting with someone. Here's an idea, why not call that person up and invite them to share this moment in person. I bet you are chatting with someone who lives less than 30 minutes from you.

Television
This one is another huge black hole in your life. Don't get me wrong, I like TV but I watch it deliberately. I always have. I hate having the TV on as background noise. I much prefer music, audio books or maybe a podcast in this day and age. I see no point in listening to the jibber jabber on the TV when it's nothing I want to actually watch. Especially the commercials. Terrible.

If I'm going to watch the TV it's on my time when it's something I want to watch not just for company. I do watch pointless entertainment on TV. The Simpsons is a favorite of mine. So I'm not trying to talk down to those who like to watch. Just be aware of the effect it is having on you and your time. Hours go by in a blink and suddenly you feel the need to shop as well. LOL.

The best thing my wife and I invested in for television was a PVR. We record the shows we want to watch so we can watch them on our schedule and we can skip the commercials!

What do you find in you life that steals away your time and gives you nothing in return? How can you cut them back and regain some control over the time you have each day?

Chris.