Whew! Its Tuesday already?
I am trying a new thing over here in the La Vida Dulce household and, so far, its working. The only problem is that it has cut into my computer time.
A lot.
You see, several weeks ago I thought the answer to the self-discipline of limiting computer time, was to relegate my usage to the afternoon, from 2:30-4:30 to be exact.
Well, that didn't exactly fly. Because I would get tripped up by email, which would lead to an Internet search, which would send me to a really great blog. Which reminded me to check my blog roll, and somebody had a really good recipe, so I had to check that out too.
So my morning routine became a session in adult-onset ADD, brought on by computer technology, and great people like you.
And to make things that much worse, some of you know that I get up at a really awful time of morning, for the purpose of reading the bible while drinking piping hot coffee. However, I would get up at 5:15am, trudge bleary eyed to the coffee pot, grab a mug and sit (for just a second) to check the mail, (just so that I could wake up a little).
Two hours later, I was not refreshed for the day, but irritated that my day was now all "off."
This was causing a lot of anxiety as I tried to get a thousand things done frantically, that could have been done well, had I used my time wisely. Including writing and reading the blogs.
So I am unplugging, until I can get the first-things-first, finished. I am turning off the computer until I have what I need to accomplish for the day crossed off the list. Then I can check email and come out to play.
Until then, I'm grounded.
The good news?
If the work is done at 10 am! Alleluia!
If it doesn't get done (like yesterday) until 4:00p, well...life goes on.
I don't like to miss the party. But, I don't like feeling out of control either.
Some of you may read this and think, "What is her problem? Just turn the computer off and get on with your day."
I've noticed that once I get into the habit of allowing myself to become distracted in one area of life it leads to distraction in others.
I am noticing that self-discipline is no respecter of persons.
Just because you have been self-disciplined in the past, doesn't mean it will come easy in the future.
I was emailing a friend of mine on this subject, and came to the conclusion that self-discipline actually feels harder the older I get, which makes me desire to take hold of what I can now, lest I get so out of self-discipline shape, I forget how to flex that muscle!
I really love blogging. I don't think I have to give it up. Nor would I want to. But I have to think of blogging as a party. (I love parties!) A really good party, that is going on all. the. time. I just need to remember that life isn't all about parties.
Sometimes you have to go home and rest awhile.
And do some laundry.
So that is my plan: To turn off the computer until I have time to play!
Check out what others are learning at Musing of a Housewife.
(Oh, just one more thing....the door on my nest/office/sewing room is finally painted and hung! I hope to post pictures to show you tomorrow!)
18 comments:
ooo Such a great plan you have for yourself. I need to have more discipline with the computer when I am home. When I am at work.. I have to get that done then I can play some shhhh dont tell my boss.
At home I tend to get distracted by the computer as well. I think thats a good plan to get things done first then then I can go to the "party."
I was telling my husband after my unplugging session last week that I can accomplish stuff with the computer at home, but I stay FOCUSED all day when it's not.
There are natural breaks in my day that I'll sit down to check email or read blogs, but when I'm unplugged, I tend to keep focused on working.
That's why I do it.
Kudos to you! I'm proud of your restraint in not turning it on until you're finished!!!
Good for you! I struggle with my "addiction" around here a lot! I need to unplug for a whole day. I'm sure I'd be amazed at what I can get done.
Girl, we definitely have to do what needs to be done! So, unplug away and just come back quickly!! :)
Hope you get lots done!
Good Luck! I hate to admit I have the very same problem!
Great post, and I appreciate your resolve. I could certainly use a refresher in flexing my discipline muscles... :)
I can relate to this topic so much. It seems that when I do get some free time I am very selfish with it. I too have trouble being off the computer in a short amount of time. There is so much information at our fingertips it's way too tempting!
I'm so undisciplined. I used to be very disciplined, but it was when I was working and used a Daytimer.
Since I moved job locations to my home (and slashed my salary to nil being a SAHM), I now I go days without telling time.
Aargh.
I'm praying for ya! I go through this as well - I'll limit myself to after dinner while watching t.v. with hubby because t.v. bores me
Hey Kellie, just sitting here enjoying the "party" and an afternoon cup of tea. I am rewarding myself for finally getting the breakfast dishes done. (: Keep pushing forward, girl!! I am in this with you!!
I am going to try this. It's going to be hard b/c I like parties but you're right. Life is not always about parties. Maybe I'll call my blog time recess :)
amen sister!
Kel, I've REALLY been thinking along these lines lately. I'm having major self control issues with Facebook. I keep threatening to un-FB myself, but friends beg me to stay. I just don't have any self control in this area!
Well meaning friends say nice little things like "limit yourself to a "Facebook 15" (minutes). That assumes self control! ha!
I think you've given me courage to un-FB myself at least until Easter. That seems like a good thing to give up for Lent, huh?
I couldn't have said all this better myself. You're inspiring me to make some changes...And i too resent those "off" days because of great people like you who "force me" to be at my PC! ;)
YES! I keep saying I will do this, and then I never do, lol. BUT I have been really good about staying off the puter till the big kids are out the door to school AND the kitchen is cleaned up from morning breakfast. Believe it or not, I wasn't even accomplishing THAT before getting online before. I really do need to make my Bible reading a pre-requisite for internet usage, though.
Good for you!!
I SO NEED to do this - time definitely passes quicker when on-line. I am going to close down my laptop until my "jobs" are done, for one day at least!
Thanks for the inspiration - I will let you know how it goes.
I am so with you on this. I really feel like when I am overwhelmed with housekeeping stuff I start looking for distractions and I can really spend all day reading and clicking on links. It's sad. Sometimes I wish I had a "teacher" here telling me what comes next in my day. Oh wait, the Holy Spirit is our teacher right? Okay, sorry for rambling, but thanks for your inspiration. I really appreciate your blog!
Oh...I so get this. This is absolutely my struggle too. I've noticed that I feel SO much better if I get the important things I need to do out of the way, and THEN treat myself to computer time. If I do it the other way around, my day is thrown off, I am grumpy, and nothing gets done. You would think that I would have figured that out by now, but just reading your thoughts has brought a lot of clarity to me. I think I'm going to refrain from turning on the computer in the morning anymore, too...at least until I have accomplished something for the day!
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