How I did it: Like kung fu training, this is actually an ongoing process.

I had to dig deep and uncover why I was wasting so much time online.  I found out that I was comfortable in the past.  Why be active when I could let my brain rot?  In that sense, screwing around on the web wasn't unlike overeating or too much TV.  It was a refuge.

I set a schedule for myself.  I woke up early, dressed, ate breakfast, brushed my teeth, checked my mail, and went on to the next activity.

After a while, I found myself spending less time online, and what time I did spend online was for specific tasks instead of letting my mind wander for hours at a time.

Lessons & tips: Set goals for yourself.  I mean general goals for life.  Goals make it easier to be focused.  You're less likely to indulge in mind-rotting habits when you feel driven about something.

Sometimes, you do need a day of no productivity, in order to give the brain a break.  It's all good.

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Nov 24, 2008, 03:02PM PST | 0 comments | 1 cheer