avatarDrthefit | Ankita

Summary

The article discusses the author's decision to cancel their Netflix subscription, reflecting on the societal pressures of staying relevant, the impact of streaming services on personal time, and the subsequent benefits of reallocating that time to more fulfilling activities.

Abstract

The author, previously subscribed to multiple streaming platforms including Netflix since 2015, describes the internal conflict and eventual decision to cancel their subscription. This decision was driven by the realization that the pressure to keep up with the latest shows and movies was consuming valuable time and mental energy. The article delves into the social dynamics of discussing popular media, the fear of missing out (FOMO), and the comparison with peers that often accompanies not being up-to-date with the latest trends. After canceling, the author experienced a sense of relief and liberation, leading to increased engagement in activities that brought personal joy and satisfaction, such as painting and reading. The author emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and balance in content consumption, advocating for the reevaluation of how one spends their time to ensure it aligns with their personal goals and happiness.

Opinions

  • The author admits to feeling a sense of loss and FOMO before canceling their Netflix subscription, indicating a common societal pressure to stay current with popular media.
  • They suggest that constant exposure to marketing and social proof can influence one's viewing habits and time spent on streaming platforms.
  • The author points out that the comparison and judgment from peers about what one watches can lead to unnecessary stress and a skewed sense of priorities.
  • The article argues that the abundance of content released daily can create an unrealistic expectation to stay informed and entertained, potentially leading to a life filled with unimportant distractions.
  • The author believes that the decision to cancel Netflix was akin to a significant life choice, like buying a house, highlighting the emotional weight attached to such a subscription.
  • They express a critical view of how much influence streaming content and social media discussions have on personal identity and daily thoughts.
  • The author encourages readers to reassess their content consumption habits and to prioritize activities that contribute to personal growth and happiness over the pursuit of being culturally relevant.
  • After canceling, the author experienced a positive shift in their life, including more meaningful conversations with friends and increased time for personal hobbies.
  • The article concludes with a call to action for self-reflection and the pursuit of a balanced life, where one's time is spent on what truly matters to them individually.

I Canceled My Netflix and What Happened Next Was a Surprise

The End of Netflix and Chill…

Photo by Alin Surdu on Unsplash

I am a person who has 10 different streaming subscriptions, because why not.

Talking about Netflix, I started a subscription back in 2015 and we quickly become best friends.

Most importantly I didn’t want to miss the latest flick or a TV show everyone is talking about.

You know how promotions and marketing getting done right now.

See the Barbie movie marketing genius, they are everywhere.. right on your face.

“When you say it, it’s marketing. When they say it, it’s social proof.” — Andy Crestodina

For the last 4 months, I was thinking to cancel some of the streaming platforms as I was hardly getting time to watch anything.

A bit of FOMO was there.

It happens with social media profiles as well.

When I deleted my Facebook 6 years back, I thought, I am going to regret it as soon as I hit delete.

“Focus on how to be social, not on how to do social.”- Jay Baer

The pressure to be relevant is real, real all the time.

Posting the perfectly curated feed is something all of you spend hours on.

I felt sorry for a few days after I canceled my Netflix 3 weeks back tbh.. but never to go back.

I spent 2 months thinking about it and finding the right time to do it.

You must be wondering, it just takes a click to cancel it.

But to make that click, there is so much mental work I had to do.

I am not saying it’s everyone.

But for me, it felt like buying a house sort of decision.

“Conversations are happening whether you are there or not.” — Kim Garst

Constant comparison and judgment.

When I started hiking with a group this year in January, the most common topic among people where “What are they watching?”

And everyone used to speak on the latest TV show or a movie or some documentary they have seen recently.

Also to mention that it’s the best they have seen so far.

And there I was a bit clueless as I was cutting down on my streaming time so was a bit behind on the latest scene.

I felt bad about myself and ended up googling about it for hours.

And the cycle never ends, you know that.

While comparison is normal human behaviour and all of you may be done it as well.. admit it or not.

“There are no magic wands, no hidden tracks, and no secret handshakes that can bring you immediate success, but with time, energy, and determination you can get there.”- Darren Rowse, Professional Blogger

Living in an unreal and highly stimulated world.

Every day 100s of new shows and movies are getting released.

On top of it, a constant trend of rebooting your favorite shows.

It’s so easy to indulge in it.

And when you open Instagram or TikTok, everyone is posting reels on the latest dance hook steps, memes, social commentary, and so much critical reviews.

“You are what you tweet.”- Alex Tew, Monkey Inferno

And you end up watching it all just because millions of people are talking about it.

You know how much hype was around when the Succession final episode was getting released with so many theories, and analyses about the show.

Same with the “And just like that” these days…. that’s btw is a reboot of the very famous old series “Sex in the City”

It made me question, I gave away my valuable time to an unreal world and my money.

I get attached to fictional characters who are not real in the first place.

Giving away your time with your money.

The Netflix world is never mine and it doesn’t affect me a bit on my day-to-day.

I was mentally affected by things that don’t matter in life.

My head would burst with thoughts related to things I watched online.

Yeah, I am going to be behind on the latest shows and movies, and even if I try, I can’t catch up on everything.

I need to take back control of my time.

So much time is spent on things that don’t have to exist in your head or life.

They do only when you allow them to.

That become a game changer.

“Stay hungry, stay foolish.”- Steve Jobs

How Does Life Change When You Leave?

But what about if I stop becoming relevant in my friend’s group or with colleagues?

I’d hear myself saying when I canceled my Netflix subscription three weeks back.

It turned out, it was all in my head.

Yes, a few people asked about my departure from streaming services.

And that’s it.

Life moves on, for me, for them, and for everyone.

So if you are consuming content just to fit in and losing control of your time and ultimately losing yourself, it’s time to rethink.

Rethink how are you spending your time.

Is it creating a positive impact?

You cannot do good outside unless there’s good inside.

And I feel sudden relief, it’s like a pressure just lifting from my head.

I feel so much lighter and happiness when I start doing things I want and love to do with the freed-up time.

Some of the things that immediately happened to me are:

  • Being present: feeling happier and lighter, and more content.
  • Spending time doing stuff that inspires me. Like painting or reading a Daniel Steele novel (my guilty pleasure)
  • All of my friends managed to find some other topics that we all can talk about… and it’s so much fun to talk about diverse topics.
  • No constant checking on what to binge-watch today.
  • No more mindless scrolling through various streaming services to find what to watch.

Finding the secret that coming out from busyness is all about figuring out where to spend time.

Who knows, all that time could be used for something that can change your life forever.

Finally… the first step towards owning your time.

I’m not telling you to unsubscribe today and start living a monk life only if that’s what you want.

It’s all about finding the balance and maintaining it to leave room for things you want to do in your real life.

It’s not like you have 30 minutes between two zooms and can squeeze in a FRIENDS episode in between.

You know deep down, you have done it or a similar version of it.

It’s important to be self-aware, so you do not let the environment on that 40-inch screen define you and your thinking.

I found myself and discovered who I am only when I freed myself and contently keeps track of the latest stuff coming out.

That doesn’t have to be you.

I hope reading this can help you towards freeing up your time and ultimately letting you free up some constant nagging about what to watch today.

It did for me, for sure. :)

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