If you’re anything like me, you love a good storyline. Whether drama, comedy or “dramedy,” succumbing to the allure and promises of the next new show or film can admittedly be hard to resist.

I know, I’ve been there.

From 24, Alias, Lost, Survivor, The Blacklist,Modern Family, or The Middle on the small screen, to name-any-superhero-you-can-think-of on the big screen, I’ve watched more than my share of mindless entertainment (don’t even get me started on the internet).

Image courtesy of Pawelkadysz on Unsplash

Then there’s the stuff. Cars, electronics, clothes…um, books (oh no he didn’t?!).

Then vs Now

I’m a little embarrassed to admit it now, but I spent the better part of my 20s as what one could only call an avid consumer of content; specifically, entertainment-driven content.

Music, movies, TV shows, magazines, you name it. If it was intended to be consumed passively, I was all over it.

Trust me when I say I would love to get those years back.

Now, don’t misunderstand. There’s nothing wrong with any of the things I’ve listed.

My problem though was, when I wasn’t working to bring home a paycheck, consuming was all I was doing. And I’d go so far to say that, at least for most of us in the West, this tends to be the norm.

Have I mentioned lately how much I would love to get back my 20s?

You, the Exception?

We are living in the most abundant era in history.

Google can answer virtually any question you can dream up in an instant. Amazon can deliver items to your door in two days (and, increasingly, the same day). You can add virtually any book you want to read to your Kindle or Kindle App in less than 30 seconds.

We’re built to consume, right? We must be.

Well, I’d answer that by saying “Yes, you’d be right. If you’re talking about the norm; if you’re talking about most people.” But, you’re not most people, are you?

You were meant for more. How do I know that?

Simple.

I know that because you don’t listen to a podcast like mine without a sincere desire to make a difference. You don’t just listen (i.e. consume). Just listening is hardly the point.

No, you listen and read and learn, so that you’ll be as equipped as anyone to go out and DO…to implement…to change…to impact.

Still Room for Improvement? Do This

If you’re spending some time this month evaluating how you can be even more successful in 2016 than you already are, let me make a few simple suggestions. This short list will help increase the likelihood you’ll be able to give ample time to your goals and dreams for the new year:

1. Consider, like my friends Stephanie and Chris just did, ending your cable/satellite subscription. I’ve found I watch far less television when I have to go out and get it (a la Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime) versus when my provider is piping in 500 channels 24/7. Can’t do without your sports? Maybe the local eatery or sports bar can fill the gap.
2. When you do watch TV or movies at home, agree ahead of time what you’ll watch as a family and how much time you’ll allot beforeyou hit play. Treat your down time the way this week’s guest Chris Hogan suggests you approach your money: “Tell it what you want it to do, instead of wondering where it all went.”
3. Be picky about what you read (I can help). The latest business book not doing it for you? There’s no rule that says you have to finish it. Move on.
4. Indulge occasionally, and in moderation. Go see Star Wars on opening day (are there still tickets?). Cheer on your team during the playoffs. Surprise your spouse with a Redbox rental and some take out.

In the end, it all really comes down to this: Be intentional.

How about we make that our motto for 2016?

If you’re with me, share in the comments what some of your goals and dreams are going into next year.