Now we just have free digital over the air local stations, but I prefer to have those off most of the time too! I just don’t like TV anymore – the con’s far out-weigh the pro’s for me.

Such a timewaster.

And follow your passion – a theme of every self help book going back to Dyer years and years ago has pushed – again so typically American it makes a normal (non-American) citizen of the world want to puke.

Look you want to do good: get off you fat American asses and your coddled existence and go and do something useful in another part of the world.

Such corn with syrup too.

@Kevin: I could not have written that any better… your comment mimics my sentiments EXACTLY! Folks need to turn off the tube & release themselves from the powerful brainwashing… excellent. (when are you going to be ready for another guest post on DFA?)

@retireby35: First let me say, good luck in your goal to retire at 35 – I too share your passion for early retirement. In saying that… is that one of your passions? Early retirement? Also, personal finance is a perfectly acceptable passion – heck, it’s one of mine! You don’t have to be an artist or a musician to make a positive difference. The main thing is that you fervently work to discover you dreams and spend you energy working to accomplish those dreams. It takes all kinds to make this world go round, including finance guys like us!

It isn’t just the time being spent in front of the TV while more important activities and projects could be done. I’m not sure how much most of us realize that TV brainwashes us. And I wouldn’t limit that to commercials either, not by a long shot. Throw in the programs themselves, including and especially the news.

Oh yeah, and while we’re at it, let’s throw in sports. How many millionaire athletes would be millionaires were it not for the power of the tube. TV makes them larger than life and we believe it enough to pay the freight that pays their salaries.

All of TV is a relentless drive to tell us how to dress, what to drive, what (and where) to eat, where to vacation, how to speak, how to look, and even what to value, what to disdain, what to fear–you name it. There’s no free or objective thought in any of that! Maybe that’s why we sometimes feel “conflicted”. Our basic instincts are in conflict with counter values that look so convincing on TV.

Just turning off your TV or at least limiting your viewing to as close to zero as possible is mentally and emotionally liberating.

@Michael: Many people do not realize the powerful, positive, & lasting effects helping others will have on their own lives. Loving other in spite of their shortcomings goes against human nature, so it is not easy… but it sure yields a lot more crop than has to be sown!

@Ranjana & Jeff: I’m honored that my words could provide a source of inspiration. Fight the good fight!

@Melissa: An enormous help is to break things down into manageable tasks, as not to overwhelm yourself. I will give you a quote that has motivated me from day one even up to today. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu

@Jason & Ray: Ever since canceling my satellite TV service I have been at least 3x more productive than before. Not only am I automatically drafting an additional $75 into my Emergency Fund each month… I’m also getting healthier, expanding hobbies, reading more, and just plain getting things done. I would encourage everyone to stop paying for a bloated TV service. It is powerful!

but i notice i have a lot more free time on my hands and can be much more productive that way.

good post Matt!!

It’s so easy to just come home and veg rather than improve your life and others lives. I think this is vital especially when you have kids, I have found it invigorating to turn the TV off, get on the floor and just play with them!

Thanks!
Jason

Your post made a very interesting and informative read.

I think I am inspired enough to follow some of your suggestions.

Thanks.

Rob