There are MANY choices when it comes to media consumption these days. Hundreds of television shows, endless movies, infinite websites to visit, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, the list goes on. With so many choices where should we start? Where should we stop?

You will not hear me advocating that you get rid of your TV or stop using Facebook, far from it. I am way to much of a movie junkie to get rid of my TV and Facebook can be a great way to connect with people, but all things in moderation. The biggest thing I would ask you to do is to ask yourself, “Am I getting good time value from this?”

If you really enjoy watching Lost, watch it. But if you find yourself watching another episode of Law & Order just because it’s all that’s on, turn it off. I recently came to the conclusion that although I did enjoy watching Flash Forward, I had to cut it for now, because I had too many other things that I enjoy more. The time value that I was getting out of this show was not high enough to warrant my watching it.

The same holds true with websites, Twitter, Facebook, You Tube, etc., if you are just filling time, do something else. Try to pare down your media fire hose to the point where it is a garden hose. I think you’ll find that you will have a less cluttered mind and that those things you keep will bring you more enjoyment.

Another thing to consider is the delivery method. For example, being a movie buff, I found myself wasting time looking at schedules and setting my DVR to record various movies I hadn’t seen. I cut back on my cable channels and joined Netflix and now have gained back significant time (not to mention coming out slightly ahead financially). I also am able to spend time watching exactly what I want, so I have higher time value now.

Lastly, if you’re going to watch TV for two hours, why not do it while you’re on a treadmill or exercise bike. Multi-tasking can often be a productivity drain, but these two activities were made for each other. You can enjoy and good movie or TV show and get rid of those love handles at the same time. You can’t beat that.