Fasting for fun and profit

If you think the news is all bad these days, you're not alone. News junkies everywhere are feeling the effects of their addiction.

Author Wayne Dyer defines addiction as the condition of never getting enough of something you don't want. Think about it: do you really want more bad news? By sticking to a regimen of audio, print and online news feeds that you consult several times daily (or hourly) you're probably piling bad news on top of bad news. When this happens within a period characterized by wide swings in economic conditions, it may feel as if there's just no end to the bad stuff.

What do you believe?
In the movie Pretty Woman, the prostitute Vivian, portrayed by Julia Roberts, reflects exactly what happens when we've heard negative things repeatedly: "The bad stuff is easier to believe. You ever notice that?"

So what do you believe? Whatever the news editors, broadcasters and columnists are delivering? Remember that their first job is to get you to come back later today, tomorrow and again the next day. If good news could get that done, media would be singing exactly that tune. It appears, however, that people feed early and often on the "bad stuff" and keep coming back for more.

What is most critical for you in the current economic climate? Is it to be informed up to the millisecond on global, national and local news and headlines with in depth commentary on virtually everything? Or is it to focus on what is most important for you personally, professionally, spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically? if you believe the strong will survive even the most adverse conditions, you'll want more of what strengthens you.

So here may be the most critical question: do you really believe that most of what you see/hear/read in the news strengthens you? if you're not sure, consider how you feel after giving your undivided attention to 30 minutes of news or news commentary.

How to get stronger sustainably
Here are three tips to help you survive and thrive the onslaught of bad (and worse) news:
1. Do a news fast - Set a day when your routine usually includes consumption of news and plan ahead to do without for a 24-hour period. If this is too much all at once, try skipping a regular period of news, such as you might normally get in the morning while you're getting ready to head off to work, for five straight days. If you're worried that you might miss something, don't. Two reasons why: first, the big stuff will still find you somewhere in your regular movements during the day - glancing at a newspaper headline here or walking by a television news cast there - so if there's an earth-shattering event, you'll know. Second, we're surrounded by amateur CNN correspondents who will fill you in on something they've consumed in their time spent with the news.
2. Fill the void with mental protein - If you're skipping news you get while driving, substitute instructional or inspirational audio, even a book on tape. Just make it something that feeds your mind the good stuff. If you have none, check a title out of the public library to sample it free of charge. If you're skipping news at home or at the office, pull out a book that gives you new perspective on your work or priorities. Make sure it's insightful, educational, even motivational in content and make it a meal.
3. Get around positive people - Remember that misery loves company and people talking about misery love audiences. Don't even buy a ticket for such performances. Instead, find someone who is getting things done regardless of the economic landscape and meet that person over breakfast, lunch or coffee. Even a short discussion with an individual with a possibilities perspective can make all the difference in your day, week or month.

Yes, I know what I'm suggesting here. You're reading this through a medium that delivers news. You don't have to give it up altogether. Just give it a break - systematically and purposefully - and see how you feel after a day or two or even a week. You're likely to see and feel a difference that puts you in a more productive and positive mindset.

Keep the faith,
John Earl Carroll