The other day I was getting my monthly haircut which by the way, considering it takes less than 5 minutes, is probably one of the most expensive things I do on a minute-by-minute basis. But I digress.
Next to me was a woman talking with her stylist about all things TV. She went into great detail about the various shows she loved and the different ways in which she accessed them, including the latest apps she uses to stream programs. Then she went on to tell how she falls asleep every night with her tablet in her lap.
As someone who has struggled to sleep well, I can’t imagine dozing off like that.
The stylist then chimed in with her nightly ritual which included late night TV and binging on Netflix. She too apparently had the same habit of falling asleep with the TV on in her room.
They were quite entertaining and funny, but their habits were not. The more I listened the more concerned I became. I wanted to jump into the conversation, but that’s not really my style. I was imagining the domino effect that just this one particular bedtime habit could have.
Outcomes to falling asleep in front of the TV include things like…
- poor sleep patterns
- increased insomnia
- hindered ability to get up in the morning refreshed
- vulnerability to depression
- interference in romantic relationship which could lead to increased relational conflict
- lack of productivity at work
- high blood pressure
I could go on.
What concerned me most about the conversation I was privy to, was the resignation in which these women accepted their situation. In fact, they weren’t lamenting their habit at all. They were actually encouraging each other with how to access even more programing. They were essentially taking notes from each other on how to get the most from their respective screens.
The Compound Effect in Reverse
In his book, “The Compound Effect”, Darren Hardy explains the benefits of repeated smart, regular choices over time.
For example, investing small amounts of money on a monthly basis over time will lead to a substantial amount for retirement.
But harmful choices repeated over time can also have a profound impact on our lives.
It’s been said that our futures are determined by our daily habits. I think there’s a lot of truth to that. Think about it. The habits and routines we choose today will influence where we are down the road.
Common Sense?
If we regularly eat burgers and fries we’re going to add unwanted pounds that will deteriorate our health.
If we spend more than we earn, eventually we will be overrun by debt.
If we neglect our spouse, eventually they may look elsewhere for the attention they need.
If we work 80+ hours a week, month after month, year after year, our body may shut down so we can’t work at all.
If we short-change ourselves with sleep, our capacity to function well will disappear…eventually.
How we eat, exercise, work and relate to those around us today will have a direct impact our health, careers and closest relationships ten years from now or even six months from now.
Q. Where do your current habits and routines suggest you’ll be in 6 months? In 1 year? In 5 years?
Q. Is what you are doing today, setting you up for success in the future? Why or why not?
I continue to think about the women I overheard in the salon; and I can’t help but be concerned that their current habit of TV binging will take it’s toll…maybe next week…maybe next month or next year. Maybe next month when I go back for my costly 4 minutes, I’ll get an update.
Feeling stuck? Not sure what to do next? Your life not where you want it to be?
Life coaching can help. Contact me to arrange a free 45-minute discovery call. Lets talk.
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