I finally did it. I shut it down. I pulled the plug.

I even called Comcast and asked them to shut it all down.

That was a week ago.

Life without television.

Are there others out there?

Have you already taken the detoxing plunge?

No more American Idol.

No more ESPN.

No more avalanche of commercials for prescription drugs during the evening news.

I decided it was all a distraction for my family from real life.

Here are my initial observations after week one:

1. The kids danced to music the first night (normally fists are flying between them).

2. The home is quieter. Much quieter. I hear the rain in the evening and the birds in the morning.

3. The home is better organized and clean. The kids are strangely asking… what can we do to help?

4. My thoughts are more clear for my business purpose.  I encourage you to do what it takes to have clarity around the purpose for your career.

5. We’re saving money. The cost of cable TV (in High Definion no less) was near $100/month on top of phone and internet service. I’m also saving money because the temptation to spontaneously spend is dying.

6. We’re eating better (I now realize there are no commercials for eating healthy and at home).

7. I’m reading more (currently inspired by the works of A.W. Tozer).

We still have a way to go.

I witnessed my wife and kids gathered around the laptop last night to catch highlights of Dancing With the Stars on hulu.

But I feel we are on the right path.

(June 2011 Update: 5 More Observations After Falling Off the TV Wagon)

What are your thoughts and recommendations about TV?

About the Author

Brent Peterson, PMP, MS, MBA, is the founder of Interview Angel Inc, a company that offers a comprehensive guide and toolkit for job seekers to use in interviews.

The purpose of Interview Angel is to take the fear out of job interviews.  Customer testimonials for the Interview Angel product are posted online for additional reference.

Brent’s first customer was a father who purchased the Interview Angel toolkit as a graduation gift for his daughter.  Since then, clients have included government workforce centers, business school programs, a corporation going through a merger, and Goodwill Industries.