Watching TV can be an enjoyable pastime and a way to catch up on the daily news and weather. But it also can be a huge time waster. The average American watches over 6 hours on a daily basis. This is time that is spent in passive mode with little or no activity being accomplished.
This is time that could be better spent reading, learning, or creating. Imagine the books that could be written, the paintings painted, and the projects completed if we would just turn the box off. You could finish a degree, train for a new job, or learn a new computer program. Yet the insidious box and assorted media compels us to turn it on and draws us in night after night.
Is there a better way?
If you have Tivo or a DVR, the answer is yes. Most modern DVR’s allow you to record multiple programs and play them back at your convenience. They also allow you to zip through commercials that can take up to 20 minutes in the average hour long program.
A simple solution is to record your 3 or 4 favorite programs and watch them when you are least productive. Imagine taking a class on Thursday nights to learn Excel, Powerpoint, or Microsoft Word, while recording Survivor and CSI to watch on a Saturday morning or other non productive time.
Using Tivo to offset prime time for non productive time can help you get that promotion at work or take on a part time job without having to give up the adventure of watching the show.
The other thing you can do is give up TV altogether. Celestine Chua has a great post on ten reasons you should pull the plug.
Question: What great thing could you accomplish if you turned off your TV?
