Creator or Spectator

Posted by Mike Foster Because there's blogs to write.  Instagram to look at.  And media fighting for our attention.  I decided to make a strategic change in how I spend my time.  I made a simple contract with myself that changed my life.  One, after making it, that I think we all could sign up for. To spend less time watching and more time learning. Watching activities would include: - Watching the news. - Perusing Facebook or Twitter. - Checking out funny videos on Youtube. - Mindless web surfing with no real point to it.

Learning activities would include: - Reading a book and taking notes. - Listening to podcasts on unfamiliar topics. - Going to bed early so my brain is refreshed in the morning. - Dropping interesting articles into an Evernote file.

This basic change helps stimulate new ideas.  It turns mindless activities into intentional thinking. It moves passive to participation.

Try it out. Be a creator, not a spectator. You might find it as beneficial as I have.

Mike Foster is the founder of People of the Second Chance and the author of Freeway: A Not So Perfect Guide To Freedom. He lives in San Diego with his family and fluffy dog.