Turn Off - Tune In
An excerpt from CQP Owner & CEO Robert Watson forthcoming business course / book
“Turn Off Tune In”
This task is for those who are truly determined to create a positive paradigm shift in their thinking. I call this task “Turn off Tune in” because it requires you to turn off the television, radio, social media and frivolous internet searching for a period of 30 days, and get tuned in to who you really are without all the distractions. This task is guaranteed to change the way you think, see the world, and interact with it. If you have the willingness, you will be amazed at what this task will reveal to you about yourself, and the world you have created for yourself. This is the perfect task to do while completing this program. The guidelines are: No T.V. period for 30 days. This includes movies, any other entertainment, and news of any sort. No broadcast radio of any kind. You can listen to music, I prefer you listen to music without words, such as classical, jazz, or brainwave music. No internet. You can use the internet for work related purposes, and email, but absolutely no social media, browsing for clothing, looking at videos…etc, no entertainment purposes whatsoever. The purpose is to shut off the noise of the world, its opinions, its propaganda, its gossip, so that you can hear your inner urges, longings and intuition. If you do this, I believe 1000% that you will rediscover the REAL YOU that you may have lost. The extra time that you gain from refraining from these activities will allow you to discover latent talents, and desires that you forgot or never knew you had. These talents, and desires will be some of the main ingredients in “Your Voice” ( the unique God given way you express ) for YOUR ( not someone else's ) success.
Below is an excerpt I wrote about my experience, and what I gained from doing this task:
One day while in college I was walking out of a building and something caught my eye on the bulletin board near the front door. It was a large 8”x10" flyer advertising a lecture that a student was giving. The flyer said "I turned off my cell phone, the TV, the internet and it changed my life. There was a picture of the student, and for some reason I could feel his excitement jumping off of the flyer. This struck an accord with me immediately; it seemed fascinating. My first thought was, “how the heck did he manage?” Then I thought, well only 20 years ago most people had no choice with the first two devices. I decided to try this for myself. I did not completely turn my cell phone off, but I would not surf the internet except for school related projects, and emails. But I would not watch any TV. This meant no social media, no videos ( Youtube was not birthed yet ), no shopping online; strictly email, work and class related projects.
At first I missed certain TV programs, spending time looking at antique furniture on ebay, jazz cd's on Amazon, searching clothing sites, talking with old mates on facebook, but after about a week or two my desire just faded away and I did not give these things much thought anymore. I found myself exercising at the gym on campus every evening. In the evenings I would write on my laptop, I read and sipped tea, and I painted and listened to jazz. I covered my walls with paper and painted on the paper. I bought an art desk that I always wanted, and worked on a few canvases at once. I would get lost in the timelessness of it all. It became as though I was living in a dream. The peace I had was beyond words. I would stay up sometimes until 4 am painting and writing. I would wake up at 6:30 am and strangely feel totally rested. I couldn't understand at first, but quickly realized that it was peace of mind. I was painting, reading, and writing, but at the same time resting. I also was in optimal shape. I was finding my voice.
After a while, exercising, writing, meditating, painting, and reading in my apartment had gotten dull, and I needed a break. I was not married at the time, nor had a steady girlfriend, and I was always terrified of going out by myself. But the mundane feeling persisted, and It was time for me to face my fears. I looked in the local periodical for events nearby that were free ( I was a starving artist and college student ). I mustered up my courage and started to go to events that I felt I would enjoy. I went to art openings, talked to the artist, and ate free food. I met a few artists who are now very famous and sell pieces for six and seven figures! I went to parties where I met some of the most popular people in the area and that led to other parties and events. I went to plays and spoke with the cast after. I felt like Leonardo DiCaprio in the movie "The Beach". I quickly learned that sometimes traveling alone is best, because you are free to be yourself. You do not have to impress or cater to anyone you are with. I could be the eclectic nerd I have always been inside. I would go to the record shops, befriending the other jazz heads. In essence I got to know myself again, or perhaps for the first time. The fear was completely gone, and I was born into a new, freer life. I was able to get in touch with myself. I eventually found my voice and what I wanted to give to the world. This brought me to creating an invention I eventually manufactured and was a worldwide hit.”
What happened was truly miraculous.
First of all I lost absolutely nothing from this experience, but gained everything. The experience made me calmer, clearer, and more serene as a person. I found myself far less anxious, and I believe this drew like minded people towards me. I was more approachable. I befriended people I usually would have held stereotypes toward. I was kinder, and more sincere. I became a Deacon at my church. I cooked more often. My all around productivity went through the roof. You will be surprised at how much time you waste being idle. I felt more alive. I believe when you are working on projects, doing positive for yourself, you tend to be happier, and have a cheerier outlook towards life.
Now life was still rolling full speed ahead. Problems and issues still came, but I truly learned the meaning of the saying, "You know what they say about issues - IT'S YOU". I dealt with the unwanted surprises of life better. Everyday was not flowers and sunshine, but I found myself stopping to smell the flowers far more often. I wore life as a loose garment. I embraced other people as they are. I found myself being less judgemental. I learned to embrace the unknown. I came out of my box, and started to think out of the box. I enjoyed hearing about others' success. I stopped comparing myself, and my plight with others. I knew that only I could be me, but the true me I had discovered I am. I was more humble. I was a better lover. I was more empathetic. Everything changed for the better. Nothing changed for the worse. Some would say to me, "I have to watch the news to see what's going on". I would tell them, “most things, murders, scandals, weather...etc you can't do anything about it anyway, and knowing it just gives you a negative, in despair mindset.” You can only SEE what you are looking at. I figured if aliens invaded, or there was a major catastrophe, I'm certain I would hear about it. I knew for certain I could help humanity by starting with the man in the mirror, and be a better brother, son, husband, employee etc.. and intern influence those around me in a positive way.
This was my complete life altering experience that placed me on the highway to true success. What will be yours? Do you have the courage to change, to try? I believe you do. This is a bold move, and Fortune favors the bold.
R. Watson
