30 Day Challenge - "Media Fasting"

[Franciz]

I want to reduce my time spent on the computer. I already don't watch tv, however, I spend a tremendous amount of time on the computer ranging from youtubing to random surfing. Most importantly though, I want increase my time spent on myself and other activities that I enjoy such as dancing. I don't watch tv so thats taken care of. For the computer however... thats a different story. This will be a great challenge since I have 5 computers at home.

Anyway, heres the rule:
-No facebook
-No youtube
-No wiki

Only thing allowed is:
-check email but no reading the news
-stevepavlina.com but only to post on thread

The challenge starts now (December 15, 2008 - January 14, 2008)

-Franciz

[Aleksander Krstic]

Actually media fasting means no TV news, newspapers, internet news.

[Franciz]

December 15, 2008

Thanks alot Aleksander I forgot to mention those too. Also, I want to add no radio too.

Well so far, I thought today was a good day. I didn't feel any "media cravings" so it went pretty easy. I spent most of my time reading steve's book which definitely made it easier because its very interesting. I also went out to chill with my friends. I'm also adding another challenge to spice things up a bit. I'm going to be adding a work out routine.

Things accomplished today:
-No media!!

-Franciz

[Tsigane]

Good luck!

I've been thinking about internet fasting for my next 30 day challenge. I'll be watching your challenge closely.

[Franciz]

December 16, 2008

Thanks Tsigane! Yeah man, do the media fast challenge. Its actually pretty fun. There are so many things to do other than going on the internet, which I found out recently. There so many benefits, not only do you get the privilege to getting to know yourself better but it also allows you more time to spend with other people.

Anyways, so far, I'm not having any troubles with this challenge. I had to pass a movie invitation earlier, which didn't really bother me. I encouraged my friends to take on this challenge too.

-Franciz

[Franciz]

December 16, 2008

Continue...

Anyways, Im stuck here at my friends house due to the snow. So while everyone watched a movie, I spent two hours reading the book "Don't Date Naked". I didn't really feel pressured to watch the movie even though they kept persuading me. This challenge is a good measurement to how much my character has grown compared to two years ago. Two years ago I would have easily changed my mind and agreed right away to my friends' invitations. However, now, I am more comfortable saying "no". Heck, I do it all the time. That is not the point though. I am just glad this journey of self development really help me matured and groomed my character to accomodate things that I once considered impossible obstacles. Anyways, I'm out.

-Franciz

[Franciz]

December 17, 2008

I got home around 3ish. Before I got home, I was exposed to I think 6 hours of movies but I'm glad that I persisted and read a book instead. Once I got home, I just focused on organizing my room and the rest of the house.

I also got a question, is listening to music allowed? I haven't listened to any music yet. I'm just wondering because I want to add music for my cardio since my cardio work out is all dancing. I'm doing all my work outs at home at the moment.

-Franciz

[brandongilbert]

5 computers?? Wow!

Ive been on a media fast of sorts for a few years now.

That means no TV and no news.

The only media i consume are things i choose to.

I think that is the most effective strategy. We can do that now easily.

[Franciz]

December 18, 2008

I'd like to say no media but I went to two bars today and was exposed to music, so yeah... But as far as conscious choice of watching media via tv, reading news paper, or listening to news, nope. None of that so far.

Man, I'm enjoying this "media fast" because I'm getting a lot of "aha" moments. Just like in Steve's book, Im more in communion with myself.

-Franciz

[Franciz]

December 19, 2008

Man, my friends came over today and I gave them some of my "maxim" and "fhm" magazine to entertain them. I completely forgot about the media challenge so I looked and check out the "maxim top 100!" DAYM! Anyways, I was almost done with the day too. It only happened half an hour ago! However, the good news is all through out the day I didn't listen to music, no internet media, no newspaper, and no radio. I'm not going to fall for the same mistake twice.

Things to improve:
-Focus!

-Franciz

[Dev]

Good to hear about your efforts. My query is don't you feel out of touch while being with your friends / social contacts especially while discussing topics related to current affairs like what happened in your society, town, city, nation etc. Maybe this question is a little too premature. I should be asking you this maybe on the 15th or 20th day of your trial

Please keep this option open & add in your daily posts of how you are tackling with this problem The reason why I am asking you is that I too want to do this trial but I feel that with no news coming in what will I discuss with my friends, colleagues and other people who come in daily contact with me. Hope you got my point.

[Bud921]

A media fast has always interested me. Especially in regards to reading news. However this year I am enrolled in "International Relations." Being in the class it is a requirement to keep up-to-date on current news events. Every time I visit CNN there is at least one (often several) stories concerning murder,poverty, or negativity in general. I have discussed in class that I don't like reading the news because it often makes me negative and sad. A great deal of the the students responded that I was turning my back on those who need me.

My question is, by not listening to the news are we really being naive about the world today? I know the world is filled with unimaginable violence, and poverty, but being reminded of it everyday only makes my state of mind more unstable, thus hindering me from doing something about it. I would much rather focus on the positive.

The class really has opened my eyes to whats going on in the world, and there is no doubt something needs to be done. I am interested in the realist and liberal point of views on how we tackle world poverty and violence. While the class is rather depressing (in regards to realizing how excuse my french ****ed up) the world really is, I find myself desiring to change the world at a more global level. Is not watching main stream news really being ignorant?

Anyways, I wish you the best of luck on your media fast Franciz, I hope it leads you to become a more enlightened individual.

[Franciz]

December 20, 2008

To Dev:
I don't feel awkward or out of touch when I'm in a social setting. If the people around me were to discuss about current affairs I just honestly tell them that I have no idea. Then, I ask them about the news and they're usually willing to share the story with me. When they finish explaining it to me thats when I start conversing with them about the topic.
Usually, I just talk about random stuff though and most of it are made up (use your imagination, its so fun!).

To Bud921:
I don't think you'll necessarily be naive if you don't listen to/watch news. Most of the my news comes from people. These people's news information comes from various sources so you get a very broad picture of the topic.
I prefer gathering my news information from people more because I get to openly engage and discuss about the topic unlike mainstream news. I usually get mixed responses from people, so some of them might focus on the negative and the other on the positive side. Nevertheless, just keep your ears and eyes open from all sides. Mainstream news is not necessarily bad and negative information, but its not necessarily good and positive information either.

Anyways, I was out the whole day chilling with people.

What I accomplished:
-No Radio
-No Newspaper
-No TV
-No internet media stuff

-Franciz

[Franciz]

December 21, 2008

Yep, I'm clean.

-Franciz

[highvoltage]

Originally Posted by Bud921

A media fast has always interested me. Especially in regards to reading news. However this year I am enrolled in "International Relations." Being in the class it is a requirement to keep up-to-date on current news events. Every time I visit CNN there is at least one (often several) stories concerning murder,poverty, or negativity in general. I have discussed in class that I don't like reading the news because it often makes me negative and sad. A great deal of the the students responded that I was turning my back on those who need me.

My question is, by not listening to the news are we really being naive about the world today? I know the world is filled with unimaginable violence, and poverty, but being reminded of it everyday only makes my state of mind more unstable, thus hindering me from doing something about it. I would much rather focus on the positive.

The class really has opened my eyes to whats going on in the world, and there is no doubt something needs to be done. I am interested in the realist and liberal point of views on how we tackle world poverty and violence. While the class is rather depressing (in regards to realizing how excuse my french ****ed up) the world really is, I find myself desiring to change the world at a more global level. Is not watching main stream news really being ignorant?

Anyways, I wish you the best of luck on your media fast Franciz, I hope it leads you to become a more enlightened individual.

I know this post wasn't directed at me, but I have something to say about it.

No, it's not being naive to not watch or listen to the news. A lot of ♥♥♥♥♥ happens around the world at any given moment, and for the most part there's nothing you or I or anyone who isn't over there can do about it. Whether you watch the news or not doesn't change that. I don't watch tv news/read news in the paper or on the internet, but I'm still aware that bad things happen. I'm concerned about it from a humanitarian point of view, but from a realistic point of view I can't care about it too much because there isn't anything I can do about it, and it just depresses me.

My advice is this: if you really care about people and want to make the world a better place, start by trying to improve the lives of people around you, in your own circle of friends and family and community. See a homeless person? Buy him a meal. See a young mother stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire and screaming kids? Stop and help her change her tire. Know of a poor family that won't have anything more than toothpaste and deodorant in their stockings this year? Play Santa Claus and leave them a gift at their door (preferably anonymously).

There are many ways to endeavor to make the world a better place that don't involve needing to constantly watch tv news. As a matter of fact, nonlocal news is a hinderance, as it takes time and "caring" energy away from your own local community where it could do the most good. If you're really successful at helping those immediately around you, you'll inspire others to do the same, and you will have made a positive impact in the world.

[Franciz]

December 22, 2008

Amen to what highvoltage says.

I`m media clean again today.

-Franciz

[Franciz]

December 23, 2008

I was out the whole day today so that means no media. I talked for 7 hours, damn! I was controlling the conversation so its a new record for me. I got to practice a lot of anchoring. I was using multiple anchors at a time. It was definitely an awesome day!

-Franciz

[Dev]

Good to hear about your progress Franciz. I also hope that you are continuing with your habit of 'No Complaining'

[Franciz]

December 24, 2008

Yeah Dev, Im still continuing the no complaning habit.

No media today. I just got home too and its 4 am.

-Franciz

[Marco Polo]

Hey Franciz. You're doing a good thing. You'll learn much more about the world by reading books than through any other medium. I did a similar trial, by the way:

Being a luddite - 30 day trial (anti-technology)

Since then I've become hyper-media-aware, for lack of a better phrase. Almost every time I switch on my computer, and that's not often these days, I start thinking how the medium is affecting me. Usually I do a google search for some articles by Marshall McLuhan or Neil Postman.

THE MEDIUM IS THE MESSAGE. *eerie music plays in the background*

One new thing that I've added recently is that I always take the stairs, even when there's an elevator. It seems like you're also doing pretty well here. Don't give up, even if you make a few mistakes along the way.

[Franciz]

December 25, 2008

Thanks a lot Marco Polo, I'll be sure to check out the link.

I'm media clean.

December 26, 2008

I'm media clean again I was out in the mall the whole day because of boxing day. Its a nation wide sale.

-Franciz

[NexusOfCompletion]

It took me a while to realize that spending copious amounts of time on the computer is equally unhealthy as 'vegging' out in front of the TV. I noticed that when I went days without technology I felt more in tune with myself and less zombified. Once again, moderation is the key to everything.

[Franciz]

December 27, 2008

I agree with what you say NexusOfCompletion.

I was out the whole day so I was media clean.

December 28, 2008

I was out pretty much half of the day and when I got back I just read a book so I'm media clean.

Assessment:
It is good that I'm actually not drowning myself with media stuff. However, in this circumstance, my old habits of excessively going out has reverted back. This past couple of days I've been out partying like theres no tomorrow. Most likely its because it gives me a reason, for me, to escape the pressure of actually fighting this no media habit. This past couple of days, the time I spent with myself actually have decrease a lot so any epiphanies regarding learning about myself has been stalled. I didn't really notice this until it started to affect my other 30 day challenge: wake up at 7. I started sleeping really late again, but now that I'm aware of it I'm going to go out less often. Also, I lost my drive that I once had about finishing my 30 day challenges that's why I'm forgetting to post things in some areas.
Anyways, I'm not going to let this failure in my choices to stop me from continuing on with this challenge. Right now, I actually feel more motivated to keep on going with this challenge.

I might be a failure but I'm not a quitter.

-Franciz

[Maluniu]

Hey Franciz, may be a little tough on the first day. I know, the time I media fasted, I tried to stay in my room forever to avoid seeing my TV and computer and media stuff.

Try getting rid of your TV. Like storing it in the basement - or garage.

When I was done media fasting I was on my computer 24/7 - and I even missed some sleep. Franciz, music is media. And so is iPod.

[Franciz]

December 29, 2008

Aight, thanks alot Malunio I'll keep what you said in mind.

Anyways, I'm media clean again so no Youtube, facebook, news (newspaper, radio, and etc) music. I just read some books and went out for a little bit.

-Franciz

[Franciz]

December 30, 2008

I'm breaking my no media challenge for 2 days because I'm helping my friend prepare for a dance competition.

So, No, I'm not media clean today because I listened to music.

-Franciz

[Maluniu]

Originally Posted by Franciz

December 30, 2008

I'm breaking my no media challenge for 2 days because I'm helping my friend prepare for a dance competition.

So, No, I'm not media clean today because I listened to music.

-Franciz

Franciz, actually only music on an iPod and an MP3 is media. But you can't find music if you're not on the computer or watching TV.

I guess pictures is media too And by "media fasting" you can't check e-mail either. Dancing and singing is media too.

So I guess the only thing you're allowed to do is exercise and read. You should continue reading the Personal Development for Smart People book (although Erin's "Spiritual Wisdom for Conscious People" is much better... you can buy her book at her site)

So good luck preparing for your friend's dance.

[lifetimelearner]

I didn't think music was on the list for a media fast

I thought it just involved anything to do with the current news around the world

[Franciz]

December 31, 2008

To lifetimelearner:
Yeah, I actually thought it only involved news stuff but I just added music because I wasn't quite sure what's suppose to be in it.

To Maluniu:
Oh, I didn't know those were included as well. I probably won't remove dancing though because its my exercise.

I've also finished Steve's book as well. Its an awesome book. I really like how he views the world base on the principles that he outlined in the book. I have to let it sink in my head for a bit though because the contents are too heavy for me. I'll reread his book again in the future when the information has settled down in my head.

Anyways, I'm media clean today. I'm going to use my no media break tomorrow.

Happy New Year everyone!

-Franciz

[Franciz]

January 1, 2009

Media clean! I didn't have to use my no media break after all. I stayed up all night! It was 3 am when my friends decided to watch a movie so I just read this book of poem for 2 hours.

Six hours later when we were eating break fast, everyone was watching television so I just stared at the wall while eating. This was a very intense day!

January 2, 2009

I was out the whole day and I'm proud to say that I am media clean. I just got back from the dance competition and it was the best dance competition I've seen so far. My friend lost but it was all good because everyone's dances were entertaining, especially the finals for popping. It was so worth the money! I need to practice extremely hard if I want to join this competition next year.

-Franciz