Day 10 : Begin Again
It’s day 10 of my digital declutter and today I want to talk about starting over.
Backsliding
Anytime we make a resolution there is the opportunity to slip and fall into old patterns. In fact, it’s more common than not. But, why?
Force of habit.
Lack of commitment.
Human nature.
Yesterday I violated two of the rules to which I committed for the month long duration of my digital declutter. I watched Netflix (alone) and Twitch.tv.
Both occurred on my laptop since I had already removed the apps from my phone to help with my self control.
Because I didn’t want to be completely anti-social and restrict what I could do when hanging out with friends or family my rule for Netflix has been that it’s ok to watch as part of a group activity but not to zone out and watch it alone.
Well after watching an episode of The Last Dance, the excellent docuseries about Michael Jordan and the 1997–98 Chicago Bulls season, with my partner last night, I could not resist but to continue watching two more episodes by myself.
I rationalized it by saying that I was learning about principles of “leadership” though Phil Jackson, Michael Jordan, and the other players on the team. When in reality I could have easily chosen a low-tech alternative including any number of the leadership volumes on my bookshelf at this moment including Quiet Leadership, Multipliers, and Manifesto for a Moral Revolution.
Even if I could rationalize away my Netflix mini-binge I wish I could say the same about Twitch. After wrapping up my work last night — ok, while wrapping up my work last night — I reflexively opened up the latest broadcast from Rich Bourque, one of my favorite streamers, to watch some 93/94 Old School Magic the Gathering and relax my brain after the busy day.
Just start over
Anyone who has ever practiced any sort of mindfulness or meditation is probably familiar with the concept of beginning again. When learning sitting meditation, the goal is often to clear the mind and focus on the breath.
Inevitably the mind starts to wander, especially for beginners. When that happens what should we do?
Do not pass judgement.
Do not get frustrated.
Do not give up.
Just begin again.
Life is often about taking two steps forward and one step back. The good thing is, the math works out in our favor. You’re still making progress.
So with my digital declutter that’s exactly what I plan to do tomorrow.
Just begin again.
