I Quit Target and Netflix and it Changed my Life

Juggling kids, work, household chores, and maybe a sliver of self-care? Sound familiar? As busy moms, we’re masters of multitasking, but often, we’re left feeling like we’re running on a hamster wheel, never quite catching up. What if I told you there are simple changes you can make to reclaim precious hours in your day – hours you could dedicate to YOU, your family, and discovering a deeper sense of purpose?

I’ve been there. I used to be the queen of binge-watching. Staying up way too late, glued to the screen, only to wake up exhausted and regretting the lost sleep. It was a vicious cycle that left me feeling drained and unproductive. But then something shifted. I realized how much time and energy I was wasting, and I decided to make a change. I went cold turkey on TV shows (& started waking earlier), and you know what? I don’t miss it at all! Now, I cherish the occasional family movie night, but the constant need to be entertained by the screen has vanished.

And Target? Oh, Target. I used to be a frequent flyer, popping in almost daily for “just one thing.” But those little things always added up – to more stuff, more clutter, and more money spent. Do you know how many photos I have of the kids while shopping at Target? More than I should. So, I did an experiment. I quit Target cold turkey for a month. And then another month. And another. It’s been over a year now, and I haven’t looked back!

We’re talking about ditching the time-suckers: endless TV watching, mindless Netflix binging, and the siren call of online and in-store shopping (especially that tempting Target run!). Think about it: how much time do you really spend scrolling, watching, and browsing? It’s likely more than you realize.

The Time and Money Equation:

Let’s break it down. Imagine you spend just one hour a day watching TV or Netflix. That’s seven hours a week, 28 hours a month, and a whopping 365 hours a year! That’s over 15 days – two full weeks – lost to the screen. Now, add in the time spent online shopping or wandering the aisles of Target. Even a “quick” trip can easily eat up an hour or two. And let’s not forget the money! Those subscriptions, impulse buys, and “just browsing” trips add up fast. Imagine what you could do with that extra cash!

Beyond Time and Money: The Real Cost

But the cost isn’t just about time and money. It’s about the energy drain, the mental clutter, and the feeling of disconnect. When we’re constantly bombarded with information and distractions, it’s hard to hear our own inner voice, the one whispering about our passions and purpose.

What Could You Do With All That Time?

This is the million-dollar question. If the thought of having extra time fills you with…nothing…then it’s time to explore why. A lack of clear purpose can leave us vulnerable to these time-wasting habits. If you don’t know what you want to do with your time, it’s easy to fill it with distractions.

Finding Your “Why”: Discovering Your Purpose and Values

Finding your purpose isn’t about some grand, earth-shattering mission. It’s about identifying what truly matters to you – your values, passions, and what brings you joy. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

What did you love doing as a child? Often, our childhood passions hold clues to our true selves.

What are you naturally good at? What comes easily to you?

What makes you feel alive and energized? What activities leave you feeling inspired?

What kind of impact do you want to make on the world? Even small acts of kindness and contribution can be deeply fulfilling.

If you’re feeling stuck in this process, read my post on how to identify your personal values.

Taking the Challenge: A Time-Bound Detox

Ready to reclaim your time and energy? Try a time-bound challenge. Commit to a week (or even just a weekend) of no TV, Netflix, or online shopping. Here are some tips to make it stick:

Start small: If going cold turkey seems daunting, start with cutting back gradually.

Plan ahead: Anticipate moments when you’ll be tempted and have alternative activities ready.

Find an accountability buddy: Team up with a friend who’s also trying to break these habits.

Replace the habit: Instead of reaching for the remote, grab a book, go for a walk, or spend quality time with your kids. Leave books everywhere!

Make the habit difficult: Just unplug the TV. The rule is every time you want to watch a show, you have to plug the TV back in. That little bit of resistance actually works and will deter you from watching TV!

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Reaping the Rewards:

Imagine the possibilities: more time for family, hobbies, personal growth, and pursuing your passions. Imagine feeling more present, more energized, and more connected to yourself and your loved ones. Ditching distractions isn’t about deprivation; it’s about creating space for what truly matters. It’s about reclaiming your time, reclaiming your life, and feeling like you’re living the best version of yourself!