After three days of no gaming, no videos, and essentially no erroneous internet consumption, the level of productivity has soared. I have nearly finished chapter 8 of the book. The creative revelations and prose have achieved greater quality in a much more condensed timeframe. My focus has returned to levels from when I was younger, before the onslaught of media consumption. I have read the James Bond novel “Dr. No” and am halfway through “American Moonshot” by Douglas Brinkley. The first day went well since it was new and exciting. The second day was more cognitively draining since the novelty had worn off. The third day was effortless as I did my work-work, read through the books, and finished my writing for the day. My thinking is more rapid, refined, and more pronounced when writing. Decisions are more immediate and precise. I am taking 2 steps to arrive at a rewriting conclusion rather than 3 or 4. New neural pathways seem to be opening up and efficient ones are deepening. I can do work longer without distraction. I rarely pick up my phone to check the news, messages, or emails. My mind has shifted from one of distraction to being of the moment. I seriously feel like my fiery teenage self that was able to focus on a task until it was done, and done well. My brain is active. Memory retention has increased. As I’m walking or exercising or in the shower, I recite the information I’ve read, or review the writing I’ve completed. I’m engaged, working with intention, and enjoying the subtle gratification from turning a page or writing a polished sentence. Media is a narcotic, an overwhelming thing that should only be consumed in small doses. It numbs the brain and dulls processing. This weekend, I will indulge in video games. I will watch videos. I’m allowing myself that recreation. Though, the boundary I set will be adopted for each weekday. I am happy for myself, and am proud that the time during the week is used judiciously, productively, and intentionally. Good stuff.