The Pre-DVR Life

I remember watching MTV when I was in high school. Thriller, the chart-topping song and video by Micheal Jackson, was playing every thirty minutes and it was so unique and ground breaking that we would sit by the TV for hours just waiting for it to come on.  We had to be physically present and we planned our life around it.  But when the DVR became available, it changed the whole deal.

In addition to simply being able to record shows, the DVR could actually pause live TV.  I could now record a show, replay a play from the game, and not miss a second of any show, while being able to actually do the things I wanted to do when I wanted to do them.  I was not a prisoner to the programming of the network. 

Often times I find that I live my life like it is pre-DVR.  I get involved with work, traveling back and forth from Kentucky and Tennessee, checking twitter and e-mails constantly, and answering the phone as soon as it rings, no matter where I am or what I am doing.  These distractions tempt me to sometimes forget the power of structure and taking time to get away.  Sometimes I believe I am less effective simply because I am worn out. 

So at that point, I think it is necessary to push the "pause" button, re-focus, take charge of your time, and become energized again.

So if I dont answer the phone tomorrow, I may be in the hammock, enjoying the autumn leaves, and listening to Thriller on my ipod.  On second thought, I am going to skip the Thriller!