Here are some things that I have intentionally chosen to take out of my life.
Social media - I dispensed with Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter and the like in 2017 and have never looked back. I maintain a LinkedIn profile, but rarely check it, and have only posted 3 times in 10 years.
Consuming news - If something important happens, You’ll hear about it. I read a few telecom-related articles each week, and my favorite economics blog, that’s it.
Politics and culture war - I don’t believe that I have enemies, I’ve never registered with any political party, and I’m open to considering issues from all sides. I DO have strong opinions and convictions which I will happily share with those close to me, and I do vote, but I’ve opted out of the fight. A saying from my childhood still resonates with me, “Those convinced against their will are of the same opinion still.”
Cell phone notifications - the only apps I allow notifications for are text messages, deliveries, daycare, and a few home automation/health apps. Everything else waits till I want to check it (note: audit these regularly, a few intruders had crept back in).
Advertising. All physical advertising goes in the trash and spam is deleted unopened. You can install browser extensions that prevent YouTube ads. I’m happy to pay a little more for ad-free versions of streaming services. Skip through podcast ads. Most are 30 sec or 1 min, set your fast-forward interval to 30 sec and skip twice, back up once if needed. With the Overcast app, you can automate this completely to skip past pre and post-roll ads.
“Must-see” TV, movies, and sporting events. There are not many viewing events that I don’t mind missing out on. I could not tell you who won the NBA finals, the Superbowl, March Madness, or the College Football championship. I DVR my alma mater’s CFB games and watch them after my family goes to sleep (skipping through all advertising of course!)
Pop culture. Couldn’t name any songs on the top 40. I don’t know what movies are in theaters or coming up, or what the latest social media or fashion trends are. Outsource your zeitgeist monitorship to a friend or family member, and ask them occasionally what’s new.
Drinking alcohol. I’ll have a cocktail once in a while, but I just don’t enjoy it that much, and the ever-growing body of evidence makes it just not worth it for me.
Added sugar. As you might be seeing, I kind of do things “all or nothing,” so when I started taking my health more seriously, one thing I cut out was “blatant sweets” things with lots of added sugar. I’ve indulged a few times, mostly on special occasions, but my consumption of desserts and other sweets has decreased by 90% over the last year.
Breakfast. The ROI on enjoyment vs. calorie intake is just not there. I give in 2-3 times a month and join the family out for brunch.
Regular yard work. Set up recurring yard care. Every week, a professional comes to my house and does a much better job in 30 minutes than I could in two hours, all for $35. Four times a year, another pro comes out to fertilize and treat weeds, saving me both the time and the cost of equipment and materials. My yard has never looked better. Textbook case of win-win outsourcing.
Factory farming. I’m a carnivore, but after reading a troubling article on “humane” meat processing practices earlier this year I made a commitment to only purchase meat that was raised with higher standards of care, nutrition, and processing. It’s hard to find, I spend a bit more, and eat less of it, but it’s been a worthwhile change.
What else is not worth the time?