A while ago I read a book that I’ve since recommended to most people I know…well, most people I know that I think would be interested. The book is called Power vs. Force and in case you’ve never used the internets before, you can click the title to check it out online. This book teaches some powerful lessons (hi-yo!) that really force home (zing!) some pretty cool concepts and just recently they’ve been jogged up in the ol’ thinkin’ can.
I read Tim Ferriss’ 4-Hour Workweek (gettin’ a hang-a this here clicky-system webternet?) and something was switched on in my brain. A synapse connected and now with both of these books under my belt, well, I feel awake. It’s just noticeable. Everywhere. It’s made a huge impact in my life and as I reflect on day to day decisions and actions of myself and others I notice it everywhere: action vs. inaction. And I can’t help notice now all the distractions, excuses, and habits that I’ve fallen victim to, and that others don’t even realize.
The distractions in life are simply astounding. Things that would cause us to be inactive – not “procrastinate,” not “lazy,” just distractions that cause inaction – this is anything from TV, movies, the internet (including blogging – I’m looking at you tumblrverse (and as a recently departed member))…to the foods we eat, the thoughts we think, the things we say. It is incredible. And granted, it’s definitely cool to relax and say “for the next X amount of time, I’m doing nothing,” but how often do we let that time drift into time we could be using to get better at an instrument, start a company, pursue a dream of any kind?
And now, well, now I can’t sit on it anymore. I can’t watch TV for more than 30 minutes before thinking to myself “what the hell am I doing this for?” – especially when I’ve got goals that have literally NOTHING to do with TV! Even at work, I spend the minimal amount of time on the internet, checking e-mails (even work related ones) and I STILL feel overwhelmed by distractions. Because when it comes right down to it, when you think of what you want to accomplish, and how or if what you’re doing currently helps you achieve that goal, the answer is more often than not “No.”
My switch is ON to action. I’m not saying I’m good at it yet. I definitely still waste LOADS of time, but I’m getting better and now that I seem to be incapable of being unaware of all the useless wastes in my life, well, watch out.
hey. lykens. I know this is really random that I am reading your blog, but just roll with it. I like what you have to say. I have not read the books that are shaking up your reality lately, but I have read a few others that are doing similar things for me. Simply being aware of my thoughts is astounding. And so nice to stop and breathe for a moment. Life is much richer when you are not filling it with uselessness. So I say. here here!
I don’t have cable or internet at home anymore. CRAZY. It’s nice actually.
Although I am in maine right now in a house that has both and i have pretty much OD’d. But as you say, getting better at life.
It’s cool to hear that you have a vision of how you want your life to be and you are setting out to make it happen. Rad!
Yo man…i love your blog. I’m gonna run through the halls of our high school (State High Baby!) I’m gonna scream at the TOP OF MY LUNGS!