My new favorite bumper sticker - Kill Your TV

About 2 months ago I got cable again. I got the mailer that said it was a special introductory price of 7.95 for the next 6 months and I thought, well I can't pass up a sale! Since getting my new 57 channels of entertainment, education and "news" I have never been less productive, entertained or fulfilled.
I don't want to criticize the content of television because I might be picking on your favorite show. At the same time, instead of learning all about the 8 people trapped on some Survivor island in China could we put the same interest level into the people around us?!
Since launching my return to the TV environment I have stopped practicing my piano as much, read less, talked less to my girlfriend, journaled less, yoga'ed less, etc. I know, its probably just me not being able to manage the TV. But I only catch about 1 hour a day. One hour that used to be very meaningful to my life in exchange for an hour of channel surfing and mumbling, there's nothing on.
I had seen those bumper stickers that said "Kill your Television" for ages. I always thought they were funny. (I also thought what kind of lunatic doesn't like TV?!). Now I gladly embrace being the lunatic. Shaw Cable, please be aware my cancellation call is coming tomorrow.
If you want to make a difference in your life, go do everything else first and then turn on the TV. I am going back to that strategy. I found I never really had time for TV and never missed it. People said oh, but this week's CSI was great. Well, so is my life. It's my focus and I get the chance to write the script every week.

Be Thankful for Your Job

Have you ever been in traffic and driven by someone and thought, thank god I don't have that job! I find that there are an abundance of jobs I wouldn't want to do regardless of pay. City road crew, no thanks. Drive through window guy, no thanks. Late night cleaning crew, nope. Massage therapist or doctor, never. Now, don't get me wrong, every one of these careers and jobs are necessary and I respect the people that do them. That doesn't mean I want to do them though.
This recognition of what jobs I don't want also helps me recognize and appreciate the job I do have. Perhaps you have noticed that person who complains on a regular basis about their job. They hate this about it and that about it. Perhaps you're like me and wonder, if it is so bad, why don't you find something else to do.
I think that seeing those jobs you don't want, really helps put your current career and job into perspective. Sudddenly having to show up in my warm, cozy office and drink a coffee while talking on the phone and meeting clients seems really, really nice. Wait til winter hits. My office remains toasty but it doesn't for every person who has to work outside!
Change your perspective and focus on all the terrific things about your job. Stop to see the jobs you don't want and be grateful for the one you have. You will feel better about it and your performance will improve. I guarantee it.