My 6 Week Challenge: Learning About Myself
Glen / 
107 Comments / 
September 24th, 2009 / 
Subscribe via RSS
As I sit here drinking my second cup of Green Tea and reading what is possibly the best book I’ve ever read, I thought it would be a good idea to share some details on my 6 week challenge which has started today.
The challenge, quite simply, is to cut all of the bullshit (I can’t think of a better word) out of my life for the next 6 weeks. For those of you who have been reading my blog for a while, you may see this is pretty much an extended version of my 7 day challenge which I can’t recommend highly enough.
What you define as bullshit of course, is completely different to what I think of it as. In the sense I use it here, it is unproductive activities which take up my time. For me, these are:
- IM – Skype + MSN
- Online Games
- Idle Internet Surfing / Internet Socialising
- Television
- Alcohol
And, because I have defined them as pointless or not useful to me in any way, my 6 week challenge is all about eliminating them from my life. Now, two questions you may have about this could be:
“Why six weeks?”
and
“Why do this in the first place?”
To answer the first, six weeks is going to be much harder than my one week challenge which was a struggle but not too challenging. Six weeks is also the time frame used in a program known as Release Technique which is similar to my favourite personal development program of all time, The Sedona Method.
By the time the challenge is over I will only have around 2-3 weeks before I arrive in Amsterdam, so my business should be thriving and I will be ready to live like a rockstar. As for the second question, the following section should answer why I’m putting myself through this.
Learning About Myself
For some of you, this challenge might seem easy. You may already live an active outdoor lifestyle, not watch much TV and not spend time with unproductive online activities. However, for me, and many others, this is a tough challenge. In fact, if I think about it, I probably spend up to 8 hours (on my worst days) doing all of the things that I want to cut out. Therefore, I’m aiming to change around half of my awake hours every single day.
For the last few weeks now I have been lying in bed at night and thinking “Wow, I actually did nothing useful today.” Even if I wrote an article for a site or answered a lot of emails, I still know I could do more. This challenge isn’t about becoming a workaholic though; the aim is to learn more about myself.
You see, from the experience of one person who has gone through this challenge, they said they had a lot of personal issues come up in their consciousness. Through all the spare time they had gained, there arose a lot of mind chatter they had to face head on and either deal with or let go (using the release technique or the Sedona Method).
I’m going to fill the spare time with as many productive activities as I can (writing articles, reading, working on websites, meditating, socialising offline, going to the gym) and see how things work out. I have a feeling that I’m going to want to slip-up on an almost daily basis but it is this resistance which should help me learn more about myself and allow me to push through mental barriers.
Goodbye, Bullshit
Just in case any of you are wondering how I’m cutting certain things out and how you can do the same, here’s a quick rundown:
Facebook – When I did my 7 day challenge I deactivated my account so that nobody could message me or get in touch. I also removed email during this challenge and returned to multiple messages from people asking what had happened to me. This time, I have changed my profile picture (shown right) to explain my departure and also turned off all notifications from the site.
Skype + MSN – These are probably the worst distractants which take up my time each day, and the time spent on them is rarely anything other than socialising. I speak to some good friends regularly, and even some people I like talking to but will probably never meet. If I need to speak with friends I can’t meet in person, they can call me or I’ll call them.
Also, having MSN friends I’m unlikely to ever meet is quite sad in my opinion and completely pointless. If they need me for anything important, they know how to get in touch. I will continue to use Twitter as I feel it is a healthy form of communication for me and my business, but I will not use it as an avenue of procrastination.
Online Games- I’m not a ‘gamer’ in the sense of playing things like Diablo or World of Warcraft. In fact, the only game I play is an online version of Pictionary which is fun and very addictive. For the last 2 weeks I’ve played at least an hour per day so cutting this out should give me quite a bit of free time.
I also found the game brought out quite a nasty side of me which I don’t like but found quite interesting.
Idle Internet Surfing / Socialising – As I’m trying to bulk up and build muscle, I spend a bit of time hanging out at the bodybuilding.com forums. However, I mostly lurk the off topic section which has nothing to do with improving health and is just basically guys messing around online.
Forums are probably the only idle internet surfing I do, and I think this will be easy to cut out.
Television – If I am 100% honest with you guys, I will not be able to eliminate television completely during the six weeks. Sometimes when I eat I like to watch Scrubs (my favourite TV show) and when we eat food as a family it’s always around the box.
However, just like with Twitter, I will not use television as an outlet to procrastinate and will limit my viewing to no more than one hour per day, if at all. In South Africa I spent over one year without turning on a TV channel so I know the benefits of this practice all too well.
Alcohol – I don’t drink that much, but it is the normal thing to do when I’m hanging out with my buddies. I had 10 beers last night to make up for what I was going to miss, which probably wasn’t a very good idea. I generally only drink around 2 nights per week (if at all) so this shouldn’t be a problem.
No More Escapes
The whole point to this challenge if I haven’t made it clear enough yet is simply this: to eliminate all of the mental escapes I have in my life and learn to live with myself in the most mundane and bland situations. I will use my spare time to be as active as possible, as I know I will go insane if I just stare at a calendar and hope the days pass as quickly as possible.
I’ve had enough of feeling unfulfilled at the end of each day, so it’s time for a change. As with all experiments or challenges that I undertake, I will let you all know how it goes with regular updates. If you like the sound of a challenge like this, only start it if you are completely sure it is what you want to do.
I know I will struggle with this, but hopefully come out of it in a far better position than before.
If you enjoyed this post, I would appreciate if you share it on Twitter, Facebook or Delicious!
Great stuff Glen, I admire your drive and desire to learn about yourself and box yourself in with this challenge, I am sure you will achieve some awesome things personally and professionally from this. I am more aware personally recently of the time I spend looking productive but not actually achieving much, it can be a time drainer and also stop us fulfilling what we are capable of. Be be interesting to hear back when you’re done.
All the best !
Jen
Thanks Jen,
I really appreciate your support over the last few months. One great thing I know that will come out of this is more updates on the blog and more interaction with readers
Wow man! MAD PROPS.. Funny I’ve been thinking about doing much of what you’re trying to do as well. Especially Facebook. I think I might just go on a facebook fast.
I too sometimes feel like I could have done more with my day. That is something I’ve been struggling with lately. The truth is you can always do more yet the important thing is to do LESS but do things that have HIGH IMPACT.
I think it’s also cool how you’re doing all this before your trip to Amsterdam. It will prove to be a nice contrast and allow you to enjoy your trip that much more.
It will be interesting to see how the next 6 weeks play out. Will surely be a challenge for you.. but hey like you said you will get to know yourself better!
Damn you got me excited.
Thanks for your comment on my speech by the way
Of course man (about my comment), you’re probably my favourite ‘e-dude’
I’m glad I’ve motivated you in some way and definitely recommend you give it a try, even if it’s just eliminating facebook and only cutting it out for one week.
You’ll come up with the mental resistance and learn how to ‘fight back’.
Thanks buddy
– Glen
Damn just missed first comment..
As my running coach would often tell me “If you’re not fast, you’re last”
I will join you, for 5 weeks at least.
/Jonas
PS. Seen Owen’s Blueprint Decoded? IT’S BAD ASS!
PSS. You have to join us on http://the21convention.com next year in Sweden, hopefully we’ll get manwhore and some other bad ass dudes there
Hey man,
Yeah the Blueprint is pretty awesome, although you must make sure you don’t use it as a substitute for going out. I’m sure a lot of dudes slip up on the path of watching vs approaching.
Let me know how the challenge goes for you if you’re seriously giving it a shot!
Totally know what you mean. I also think a lot of people who’ve been into game before have a slight tendency to use the information as techniques (OH, I have to think about my RAS now *looks in an oddly mechanical way as not to make eye contact with anyone below HB9*) instead of just getting reference experience with being 100% yourself.
And yeah, I will complete this one. I need it be able to focus on the tasks ahead of me, affiliate marketing and school.
Will keep you updated, if you do the same
Jonas
Perhaps our paths will one day cross in real life glen
This is real Bud! That is partly a joke and partly serious. I know what you mean, but have actually been so caught up in the web before that I thought I was living life when really, I think the internet should be an extension of what you do offline.
I’m sure we will meet one day
Hey I am meeting both of you someday too.
Sorry Armen, but there is just no way that is going to happen.
Joke!
Awesome man, we’ll definitely work something out for the future!
“I also found the game brought out quite a nasty side of me which I don’t like but found quite interesting.”
…I too can attest to that “side of me”. I’m reluctant to play Madden football with another human being at this point. *ahem* Moving on.
Good choice Glen. For about 3 months, earlier this year, I was on a facebook and web surfing hiatus. I discovered a new life purpose, learned more about myself, renewed my love for literature, and became a gym rat in the process. Now that I’ve been back on for more than two months now…I’ve seen my productivity levels drop by at LEAST a whopping 69%. I just may take that challenge with you until December(perhaps after my October 2nd birthday….and yes, I shamelessly love facebook birthday wishes).
Good luck with the experiment. You may want to find a good buddy to hold you accountable, it really helps.
Cheers,
I’m glad I gave away my playstation to be honest, if I was hooked I can see it being something difficult to give up.
After my 7 day challenge and my launch of Cloud Living I was exactly the same. Productivity just..disappeared.
I won’t think too far ahead and worry if that will happen again, and just focus on doing the best I can during these 6 weeks.
I will say happy birthday now as I’ll miss it on Facebook
– Thanks for all of the support man!
If you’re looking for some info on outdoor activities give me a shout Glen. I’m outside about half my time right now. Running, riding, hiking and kayaking take up most of my time in the great outdoors.
PS. why the two subscribe to comment checkboxes?
Hi Ross, thanks for the suggestion, I’ll definitely hit you up if I need some advice.
As for the checkboxes, I’m not sure. I think the comment plugin I use adds an extra one. I’ll take a look at it soon,thanks for the heads up
I wish you all the best for this challenge! I’m sure only good will come of it (and I’m also sure it’s going to be pretty hard to stick with, at times).
I’ve been approaching a lot of what you describe in a gradual way. For example, I don’t use Facebook, only use IM for business, only use skype for arranged, purpousful calls, don’t drink any alcohol and don’t have a TV.
This is all very helpful, of course, but sometimes, I can still waste half a day just idling and distracting myself. A radical distractions-fast, like you will be doing, would probably boost my focus and productivity more than gradual, small changes.
Right now, I’m on the fence as to whether I should just watch you first and see how long it takes till you go crazy (
) or go ahead and join you in the challenge straight away! 
Hi Shane,
It sounds like you’ve really got everything under control on your end. Do you find it difficult or is it just natural? I’m hoping after a few weeks of ‘pushing’ myself and breaking through restraints that things will get much easier for me.
Nah, it just sounds like that. I guess I have some stuff under control that others struggle with, but believe me, I have my fair share of bad habits.
I was lucky enough to grow up TV-free, so I never missed it. As for the other stuff: It becomes natural after a while. The longer you keep something up, the less you ever think about it.
For me, the most difficult things are those I don’t avoid 100%. For example, visiting certain forums and reading blog posts and commenting on them are things I like to do and they are also at least semi-productive. But I have to make sure that I don’t spend all day in forums and don’t check for replies every five minutes…
Good luck with this challenge Glen. I actually was thinking of doing a 2-3 week one of the same nature myself. Enjoy yourself and learn about yourself. You deserve it!
Cheers,
Dayne
Thanks Dayne!
Let me know how things go for you if you give it a shot
Good luck with this Adventure, Glen! I undertake a similar ‘fast’ every September. I call it The Dry – no alcohol from September 1 – 30. Not always as easy from year to the next, but my friends know about it and understand that it is something that is important for me to do.
Hi Doug, that sounds like an excellent ritual. Respect for having the discipline to go through with it and stick to it each year.
I’m sure it’s helpful if others understand and don’t make it easy for you to slip up.
This is a great idea. I read some study somewhere that TV is responsible for a huge percentage of anxiety experience in America!
Interesting, I can certainly see that being possible.
If you just focus on all the media we get bombarded with:
– Newspapers
– Television
– Music
– Radio
– Flyers
– Leaflets
– Billboards
On a daily basis, it’s no wonder people have time tuning within and focusing on their own issues. Hopefully I’ll understand this a lot more after the challenge.
Nice going Glen. I just did a 1 week cut off from all the bs in my life and now I’m right back in action. I don’t facebook, check and reply emails and messages, write for my blog and so on. I figure I need a break from life. I’m glad you plan the same, although for a completely different purposes.
That’s awesome Karlil, I hope you can keep it up
Great initiative!! I did the same thing a while back; TV sucked the life out of me and now I never *ever* watch it unless with family (and I travel a lot, so I’m not home that often). My channel hopping is replaced by stumbleupon video mode whenever I’m eating etc. because at least that’s new information and entertaining or educational, based on the settings I have it to. Best of all, it’s usually just 2-5 minute bursts of youtube videos so I don’t waste 30minutes to an hour. It has shown me random scenes from Scrubs many times, you can’t beat Dr. Cox’s rants
I don’t drink, so I applaud you including that in your list! I party loads and not drinking has never held me back, and it’s made my enjoyment more lucid without any side effects the next day. It’s also saved me a ridiculous amount of cash!!
To eliminate websites that don’t add value to my day I use the Firefox plugin Leechblock to physically not allow myself to access them when I’m online and need to work. Facebook and other time-vampires are in the list of sites I block, although admittedly, I allow myself a few minutes a day specifically to waste time
Keep up the good work!!
Hi Benny
I’ve actually used that plugin a few times when I needed to get things done. Great minds think alike, eh?
In Cape Town it was very easy for me not to drink when I went out as two of my best friends didn’t either. However, when I went out with another friend (or go out in Newcastle) I find myself knocking back the Jaeger bombs.
I appreciate the comment!
Best of luck to you!
If I may make a suggestion I would try to cut out TV entirely, and have your family dinners with the TV off, my fiancee and I tried it and found it was a great time to talk and communicate about our days and troubles and bond together.
I hope you achieve your goals!
I will definitely do my best with this Tyson. It is 8pm here and I have watched less than 30 minutes today, and don’t plan on watching anymore.
I think I will replace my ‘visual needs’ with some TED talks on nighttimes but I might not even do that yet. We’ll see…
Very cool challenge. Your renunciation should stir up quite a bit of content to release on. No doubt that if you spend a lot of time releasing on this, you’ll come out of it with a profound sense of freedom.
Have a good time!
-Craig
Thanks Craig, have you ever tried this? I hear it’s a big part of the Release Technique program…
Not really, but I don’t really engage in the things you mentioned. If I’m honest, I only use Facebook once in a blue moon (when absolutely necessary). I don’t watch television at all. Skype is only used for client sessions and I don’t MSN. I don’t play computer games either. LOL
Recreational internet surfing is something I do a lot of, but I don’t feel it’s hampering my productivity. I am giving up alcohol for 60 days as I start an intense workout regimen, but I don’t drink much as it is, so that’s not really a sacrifice.
So I don’t really have attachments to any of those things. However, it will be highly effective in stirring up content for you as it seems like there are some attachments (and obviously aversions at the same time) to them.
Temporary renunciation is a great way to dig into your core programming and shake up a lot of emotional baggage to be released. You’re provoking the ego sense by denying it what it wants (the RT is more confrontive to the ego sense than the Sedona Method). If you allow yourself to let it all go along with the underlying core wants, you’ll uncover a huge amount of freedom. Coming back, you’ll be able to actually enjoy the activities much more without having to spend copious amounts of time engaging in them. The less there is an “enjoyer,” the more there is enjoyment. Just remember to let go of your aversions to everything as well. Neutrality is the key.
If you’d like some process suggestions along the way, or even some releasing assistance, shoot me an e-mail. I’d be glad to help.
-Craig
You’re the second person to say this. I’m starting to feel like I’m very lazy and disorganised. Thankfully I know a few people in real life who can relate to my situation, so know I’m not alone
Thanks for the support buddy. Just a quick one, is there any part of The Sedona Course you think I should go through specifically? I’m just going to release on what I’m feeling (not anything course specific) but if there is anything, I would appreciate if you let me know
Cheers buddy!
Glen
I don’t really have any specific recommendations in terms of the course. Just releasing on whatever you are experiencing from moment to moment is really effective.
That being said, releasing through the chart of emotions when/if you are really having “withdrawals” is pretty helpful.
Awesome man! I was just thinking tonight at what is eating up my time in the day and then I read your post. For me is probably idle web surfing, and I’ll try to cut it. Thanks a lot. Stumbled!
Oscar
Stumbled, eh? I see you’ve been taking on board my feedback! Appreciate it bro
Aww man, now how am I supposed to stalk you through Facebook?!
Just kidding Glen. Good luck with this challenge!
I think I’ll try the 7 day challenge soon, will definitely tell you how it goes!
1. I know you aren’t kidding
2. I stalk you back
I don’t think you can hack it. Prove me wrong
Hey Glen. I have been reading your blog for a while now. I was so tempted to do your 7 day challenge but never got around to it. I am going to do this challenge as it pertains to Facebook and some other forums I spend way too much time on. thanks so much for all of your great ideas. I really do appreciate you taking the time to write it all out.
cheers
JC
Hey JC, you’re welcome buddy!
I’m glad people can relate to different areas, and you know what it is like to waste time on forums.
6 weeks is probably a little extreme for most people, but I had so many benefits during the 7 day challenge that I recommend anyone at least give that a try
heh, check out the picture I made. I decided to start with 2 weeks.
[IMG]http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u253/JimboD/facebook-1.jpg[/IMG]
woops – feel free to edit later.
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u253/JimboD/facebook-1.jpg
Hahah nice man, I should have done that!
It’s a shame I can’t go back on Facebook to change it
Haha, glad you like it. I am putting it up tonight once classes are all over with.
Just a quick update but I purposefully spent the last 30 minutes washing the dishes and doing them properly. It felt weird not to have a chat or game to run off to, but it was something nice to do to fill my time void.
I can see myself being more productive around the home with all this spare time. I also think I’ll try and write more so I can burn a few hours by responding to the comments of you all
That sounds great Glen, wish you the best on your challenge. I would also say that it’s important to learn to be passive. If there is nothing to be done, than just enjoy the silence. Learning to completely relax, complete relaxation means that this moment is more than enough. In complete relaxation you become “desireless”, you stop and smell the roses.
Problem is that our minds always want to be busy, so we always feel like we need to be doing some sort of activity. But if you really analyze yourself, when your doing an activity there is an undercurrent of anxiousness. Activity is goal oriented, action is not. Action is simply a response to the present. So I would suggest to learn to be a passive watcher, to empty your mind and think of nought.
When you become empty you will feel a new energy fill your inner space, then you will take spontaneous action and whatever you create will be beautiful and unique. There is a whole new quality to it as apposed to when you just create something through an activity because you feel you need to stay busy. Also just remember that anything that you do with enough awareness has a certain creativity to it, I am sure you felt that when you gave proper attention to washing the dishes like you mentioned in the comment above.
Take care buddie…
Ivan Campuzano
I also got rid of my FB the other day because it was to distracting for me and I was wasting a lot of time on when I could be doing other things like working on my mini-sites or meeting new people.
It is funny though, I have gotten some texts messages, with people asking if I defriended them.
The best was from an old friend. “DID YOU DEFRIEND ME ON FB???”
It’s always interesting to see just how many people actually creep on your facebook, or those that don’t care and don’t notice that you went away.
-Vince
What a great challenge! I have just started a similar challenge of my own.
I’m challenging myself to do only one thing at a time: If I’m online, only one tab is open (oops… currently in violation). When I’m eating, I turn off the TV, music, computer and sit at the table. When I’m riding my bike, no audio programs or books on tape. This has proven to be extremely difficult (only on day three.) I am so used to trying to do so many things at once, my brain is getting a little anxious about all of the “free” time it has.
Ultimately I think that my attention to individual tasks will help me weed out my bullshit activities.
At any rate, I look forward to seeing how this goes for you. Cheers!
Yes Alaya, this is a great idea. Actually, doing one thing at a time really helps up. It’s called the ‘POWER of ONE’
Wow, this is impressive! I’ve given up alcohol, which was hard enough, but doing all of these things at once seems really tough. I wonder if it’ll be like dieting. You know, they say if you restrict something completely you’ll go overboard the next time you have it… I wonder if that only applies to food? Best of luck with this challenge. No matter what, I’m sure you’ll learn a lot from it!
Ah, self-knowledge and self-reflection…
It’s usually VERY difficult for people to just be alone with themselves, to sit quietly and reflect. High-fives to you having the courage to just be with yourself!
This will be awesome to follow. Please give us weekly updates to see where the easy and tough parts are.
Good luck
Dave
LifeExcursion
I’m also looking forward to following your progress. Perhaps you’ll end up writing an ebook about it.
Oh maaaan
because its made me concentrate better on all the things I have to do, even the ones I dont like much. I think I just have to find more activities I really want to do, because when I do those I hardly get distracted.
Everytime you do these challenges, I think to myself, wow I should be doing something like that too as I get sucked up in pointless activities like that all the time. They blocked Facebook and Youtube at work a couple days ago and at first I was mad but now Im kinda glad
Anyway I’m sure you will learn a LOT, there’s nothing better than doing what you want to do (things that make you think at night you had a productive day) so I wish you the best of luck
Here’s to Muchas maracas!
Wait… I think you left one off your list. Didn’t you also quit women and/or sex when you did your 7 day challenge? Are you not gonna do the celibacy vow for your next challenge?
I believe Scrubs is necessary watching for all successful entrepreneurs.
Just a point with regards with your trip to Amsterdam. From my own experience, after a few weeks of partying and doing basically whatever you want you will be craving for some structure and something to work on. Especially someone as driven as you. Just something to bare in mind.
At least an hour on online pictionary?? hehe
Good luck hun, I haven’t known you long but I’m sure you can do whatever you set out to achieve. I shall watch with interest.
Tell you what Glen! Don’t mind, but you can’t find yourself by cutting yourself from the world you live and like to live in. Instead, try understanding yourself from what is actually happening with you and what you doing whole day. The answers will come on it’s own.
And for the six week challenge, I tried it and to say, I am still searching myself even after completing it for a year now. You can’t find yourself (the real you) in this world by trying to get away from it.
If you have understood what I am saying, Good. If you have not, you will
Glen, I highly suggest a book called “The Power of Decision” by Raymond Charles Barker.
Here’s a link:
http://www.amazon.com/Power-Decision-Raymond-C-Barker/dp/0875166997/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253848087&sr=8-1
A smart, committed guy like you could go far with this. This may be your new favorite book. It’s made a HUGE impact on my life.
P.S. Readers are Leaders.
Hoping the best for you on your challenge man. I did about the same thing last year and started my journey that I am on now. So far it has lead to change in careers, lost 80 lbs, took my life back and cleared out the crap, started my divorce (was long over, just too lazy and scared to step up), started traveling in my work and pushing my comfort zone way out there to do things I never would have. I can tell you that since I got my black belt 2 months ago I have slipped backwards some too. I will give serious thought to joining you on this one man. Maybe I can get my feet back. On a side note, I have been reading your blog since the beginning and I owe a lot of what I have accomplished to the help and insights found here. CHEERS!
Hello Glen, very interesting challenge – will be watching closely!
BRGD,
J
Hi Glen, for some reason I always thought you might be into games like Diablo or World of Worcraft, but when you mentioned “Pictionary” and said that it brought out a nasty side in you, I laughed so hard. That is awesome and it wasn’t something that I expected. I’m glad you are slowly getting rid of that addiction and using that time for something else, like getting ready for Amsterdam. Hope you have fun!
Hey Glen,
It is going to be tough and 6 weeks is a long time. But that is why it is call a challenge.
Good luck buddy.
Cheers,
Vincent
Good luck!
By the way, I’ve already cut off this crap out of my life years ago
Facebook – never had one
IM – Skype + MSN – msn is rubbish…what is the point of socializing with people who you never see in real life? I would say, a cellphone and seeing friends in real life is enough to keep in touch with people who are WORTH it
Online Games – never done it…well back then but not anymore
Idle Internet Surfing / Internet Socialising – same as msn. It’s crap. don’t do that anymore.
Television – don’t remember when was the last time I’ve watched it. I only watch movies/tv shows online and only once in a while
Alcohol – I only drink a few times a year on special occasions
So Glen, it’s easy. If I can cut off this crap out of my life, I’m sure you can do it too.
Good luck!
I’ve been on a media/television diet for the past month now, and what a world of good it has done me. Like you, Glen, I watch the tube while I’m eating dinner, but ignore it the rest of the time. In the beginning, I had to fight the urge to not click on CNN.COM or our Canadian version of world news / propaganda, CANOE.CA. Now, I don’t think about the news at all. Amazingly enough, I’m not missing anything.
No alcohol?? Beer is such an integral part of my life!
Glen,
Good luck!This is not going to be an easy challenge, especially if your goal is self discovery. You are going to go to some dark places with all the time that you now have on hand. You are going to be confronted with issues that you previously swept under the carpet, but in the end your life will be healthier and richer.
I have done something similar, but in some ways more radical, and the one thing I can say is that I really know myself. And I am more aware of what’s going on around me. Take it one day at a time, and deal with the issues as they come up. Keep a journal to chronicle events
Good luck and I will be cheering you on! Avil
Hi Glen,
First time commenting here. I am going through a somewhat transitory phase in my life myself. However, I thought I’d point out – that it takes 3 weeks to change and acquire a new habit.
It takes 21 days to get adjusted when you move into a new house, similarly if you do things in a repetitive pattern for 21 days – you’ll accomplish whatever you were set to accomplish and become what you wanted to become.
Rest, good luck with your challenge! Shoot for the moon!
Cheers! Ayush
I see someone has read Psycho Cybernetics
Thanks for the comment!
Interesting. Actually, this theme occurred in John Assaraf’s “The Answer” too. May be we guys should exchange reading list sometimes. Interesting. Great to learn that you’re well read
Hmm I want to do this too, I waste an extreme amount of time on ‘bullshit’ activies, but i’m really struggling to focus at the moment, i’m trying to figure stuff out.
One of the reasons I spend time on ‘bullshit activites’ is i’m hoping it is going to help me out, provide me with the answer i need or something like that anyway!
Just curious. You said “what is possibly the best book I’ve ever read”. What book is? Would be interested to read it. Thanks
Hey C,
I’m not so sure about that anymore (although it is awesome) but will very likely write a review on it sometime in the next two weeks.
Hey Glen,
This really got me thinking about all of the extraneous crap that takes up too much of my day–leaving me with that feeling at night: *Why didn’t I get more done today?*
I’ve designated this my year of learning: about myself, about new things for the sole purpose that they interest me and new ideas.
Your post really gave me some great things to think about.
Thanks!
Jill
Jill’s latest post: 10 Life Changing Lessons I Learned From Painting.
Yo Glen,
I always joke with my friends about how we would be so much more productive if we didn’t have the internet, usually while sitting on the internet at 4am chatting with them!
I’m going to join you on this challenge, if for nothing else than to free up a lot of squandered time and get back in touch with the things I used to do in my spare time.
P.S. – I jacked your photo to make as my facebook profile pic – hope you don’t mind!
All the best,
- Roger
Great Blog!
I think most people (considering the world we live in) struggle with productivity. I m trying my best every day, not to get distracted my self and I have better days and also the days when I cant believe how much time I had and how little I got done.
Things got much better lately, but there is so much to do still. I have a habit of staying up late and sleeping in. Every morning I get up late I m so angry now.
I have never been a morning person and I get things done at night,but it sure helps to be awake with the rest of the world. Plus I actually love mornings. I work for my self from home and you really need to watch your self when you have no boss and place to be on time not to get fired.
Good luck with the challenge. I ll be checking your updates and start my own. Thank you for the inspiration.
Hey Buddy
Gonna miss the online pictionary:) hehe
Good luck on the challnge, I’m actually going to do the same and just focus on productive things, there is too much time wasted on pointless things and too little really living or working to get the results I want.
Actually going to do the same right now, Disabling facebook, turning off notifications, deleting msn, no more idle internetting
Here’s to the six week challenge.
Cheers
Diggy
Hey, did you speak to the love of my life before removing it?
Good luck on the challege bro. Always interesting to see someone really making an effort to be lean and mean
Keep us posted.
Hi Glen: I only use face book to talk to my sister in Kentucky. I play Majongg on Pogo. I chat in a Buzzen room. but all my time on line is spent doing college work. I am aiming for my AA in medical coding and billing threw Colorado Tech University Online. I rarely watch TV, I read a lot tho. I tend to stay indoors a lot so that I need to change. I am not sure I can do the 6 week challenge but I am sure going to do the 7 day challenge. I move next weekend to my own apartment, get settled and hit the 7 day challenge.
Good luck in Amsterdam. not sure why you are going business I guess, as I just started with your blog. sincerely Ann
First post here, Glen. Great blog.
This sounds like a fantastic idea, and has inspired me to do something similar. I think I’ll plan it differently from yours but the idea is superb. Procrastination and diffusion is costing me too much in life.
But one thing confuses me – How the rubbery heck does online Pictionary bring out a nasty side in someone?? Pictionary??
Cheers
Martin
You would have to play it to understand
http://www.isketch.net
Interesting initiative.
I think that it would very beneficial to me to start similar action plan. I don’t spend much time watching television, online gaming or at facebook or other social networks, but I surf quite a lot and watch a lot of downloaded series and movies (this can be categorized as watching tv).
Many times I found some mind bending and thought provoking themes and articles, but in most cases I find myself just wasting time.
This method certainly requires a lot of discipline, but is very beneficial.
Thanks for great post.
Sounds like a great challenge. Excited to hear how it goes?
If I missed this I apologize, but what book were you reading that is possibly the best one you’ve ever read?
Great post!
Neal
After having a look at your site after our mutual following on twitter …(you know, while mindlessly surfing the internet
), I find the discussion on here and your own interests to be really refreshing.
As a person who has made a couple of big changes in my life, I have experienced some of the things that you are now setting out to do. …and I applaud you. My own views are that our minds and lives are so formed and manipulated by the world and societies around us, that they could probably be limiting us in what we are truly capable of doing.
I have loved being away from regular TV and I don’t watch news or read newspapers on a regular basis.
We seem to have so much ‘noise’ occupying our lives that truly detract from us really knowing ourselves I think. ..and possibly from pursuing things that would otherwise occur to us naturally. We have tv, media, newspapers, radio, internet: facebook, chats etc and of course ipods/mp3 players and mobile phones. ….just so much noise and to be honest, most of it is really nothing more than mindless chatter. Nothing productive what so ever. (there are exceptions of course)
It as if people being drawn into a false sense of themselves in some cocoon, while becoming less and less aware of the world and people around them. You see people walking around with mp3 players stuck in their ears and are completely oblivious to the world around them. If you want to talk to them, their response is normally to pull one earphone out with a look on their face as if you have just caused them the greatest inconvenience imaginable.
I think it will be exciting for a lot of us to read about what you might discover. It will be an interesting journey ….all the best with it.
Remember, what ever emotions and desires you experience along the way will merely be your own ego and something that you actually have complete control over ….if you want to!
Create your own reality …create your own world. See it for what it really is, or even better, for what it really could be.
Okay, so this post is almost dead as it’s been around for a few days and is no longer the newest, but it is exactly what I have been thinking about lately.
This kinda “bullshit” is ruining my life, because I’m completely stuck. I’m not making much progress at all on anything and then as soon as I make some small progress, I go back into this loop. I need to cut it out.
I spend a lot of time online looking at the same websites, looking for ideas, things that I need to do, The ‘answer’ instead all I am is completely confused. I’ve got an extremely bad case of Analysis Paralysis.
I know a lot of fancy systems, ideas about how things work etc but really i’m just overwhelmed and confused when it comes down to it. I really don’t know what is going on and it’s like I don’t know how to do anything anymore. It used to be, this needs to be done, that needs to be done, boom! Done!
Now it’s should I do this? Or that? How should I do this? How should I do that? Maybe I can research it some more, maybe I need to figure it out. It’s driving me insane.
So i’m going to try do this too and cut everything else out, perhaps I can listen to myself more in order to figure out ‘the problem’ rather than filling it up with all this nonsense.
If i look at this morning i’ve already spent an 2 hours online, browsing and reading stuff, if i was to honestly answer if that had somehow helped me be a) Happier b) Further myself then it would be no on both counts.
Hey Smarky,
It’s great that you are looking internally and seeing this. That is without a doubt the hardest step so you’re already over the biggest hurdle in my opinion.
I definitely think you should give this a try
Smarky, I think the first part of this step is realising that you’re actually in this loop. Good on you.
Often, the best way to get a perspective on things, is to get away from them. If you need a better perspective on the way you use computers, maybe get away from them for a while. Do other things that you probably haven’t done for a while. Realise there’s a whole big wide world out there, and it starts just outside our doorstep.
I don’t know if there are any answers, but what ever we decide to do for ourselves, *are* invariably the right answers. Do what you want to do. What you feel is right for you …I don’t think there is ONE right answer.
It’s unlikely that someone else is going to make the decision for you. So, now it’s up to you! …good luck with it. Be careful though, you might actually enjoy it? ….
Hi Glen, bravado to your chuzpe. I think that if you just focus on the actual day and what you want to achieve that day vs. what you are missing online or on TV, you will get through the 6 weeks. Looking forward for your updates and keep going. Some great posts here, always a pleasure to look by.
My man, that’s a nice idea on discovering more about yourself. i am beginning to think i should do the same because I need a lot of re-alignment in my personal life.
Thanks for bringing this up and I must once thank you for your help on my blog linking error. It’s now cool and running.
Cheers,
Seun
I am now off skype and minimizing facebook to using it for msgs only. In other words I’m using it to enrich my offline world instead of suck me into its vortex
may have been answered, havent read all the comments,
which is “probably the best book you’ve ever read” you refer to at start of the post ?
cheers,
H.
ps,,,nowt to do with the post, and probably something i’m doing wrong with my browser, but its a pain when i click on a link of your’res and it “cancels” (i can arrow back to it) the page i’m on, instead of opening a completely new ‘tag’….some sites do infact open a new “tag” which i prefer as the links from one blog to another are obviously related and its useful to flick from one to another.
This sounds like something I need to do for myself too. I’ve started to realise that like yourself, I am wasting hours and hours of my life on this kindof stuff. I share all the same problem areas with the exception of TV (but I’ve got other things replacing it…). I’ll check out that 7 day challenge.
For me, cutting off those unproductive activities is really a great challenge. I just hope that you will succeed. Great idea by the way. I think I should imposed some challenges for my self too in order to become my day more productive. Thanks for sharing.
Learning about myself?
I totally agree, after writing my first book recently I have learned alot more than I imagined. And blogging has been quite interesting, it has opened new doors and become a better part of me expressing myself.
I appreciate your thoughts and your blog ITS REAL!!!!
No more Bulls***
I thought it would be something. Who needs a television?! Ha! The same ones who don’t and I think you all know what I’m saying here with your little igadgets and your xphones and you don’t fool yourself for one minute into thinking that everybody doesn’t know because we do. ISN’T THAT RIGHT, “LORI?” Of course not. That’s not what they want you to believe, is it?
Hey man, great to hear what you’re doing.
I’ve had no facebook for about four months now, and literally just stumbled across this website.
It kind of cuts you off a bit from your friends and whatever’s going on, but i think it also makes people appreciate you more in person.