The way we spend our time defines who we are- J.Estrin

Regret is a total bummer. We have limited time, so we regret the things we either haven’t done or have done incorrectly. A life without regret is damn near impossible; however, it’s what we strive for. Here are 10 things you won’t regret doing less of. Why? Because they are empty wastes of time, things that are like empty calories to the soul. Life force sucking activities. So, if you find yourself committing a large amount of time to these actions, cut it out. You’ll be happier.

1. Smart Phone Use: the phone has become an essential tool in our modern society. We have everything in it, email, social media, texts, directions and the list goes on. We are on our phone so much that for some people it alters their posture due to its use. There is just too much on our phones that keep us distracted. You often see fathers “thumbing it” while their kids play at the park or while out to dinner. I am guilty of this. But, in reality, if you power down the cell, what are you really missing on that phone that you can’t go back to later? However, what is in front of you now is what’s important. Such as, your kids playing. You will never be able to go back and re-experience those moments. Put it down. You’ll be happier.
2. Gaming: okay, video games are getting incredibly cool. You can basically live an entire life in the gaming stratosphere, and many do. You’re not fifteen anymore and if you’re spending hours behind the screen building a mythical creature and getting upset over someone wrecking your elf shield, it’s time to reevaluate your priorities. Gaming can trick us into feeling accomplished. But, this is false accomplishment. Try getting to the next level of your life instead of the one in Everquest. And, if you want gaming to motivate you in your real life check out http://www.nerdfitness.com, it’s a website fitness program designed for gamers. There is also a book , “level up your life” that motivates through the use of gaming. Check it out.
3. Watching the News: is it really news ? Or, just speculation? I have trouble with the media these days. Violence and corruption seem to be the big sellers. When I base my life off of truth and justice, it’s difficult to stomach what’s being broadcasted. If not for your own sanity than nothing else, turn off the idiot box. Instead read the paper or get your news from other sources such as Flipboard. That way you can cut through all the nonsense being shoved down your throat and focus on the information you need. 
4. Fantasy football: We all know it’s more fun when you are able to root for a number of players and not just your team; however, this can eat up a large portion of your day.  Trust me. I know. After draft picks, trades and keeping up on stats, this can get pretty time consuming. Where we get into trouble is when we know more facts about men playing a game, than our own families. 
5. Sitting: you can always do less of this. Sitting has been found to be as bad for us as smoking. That might be stretch, but it’s still not good to sit too much. It can change our structure, causing low back pain, headaches and reeking havoc on our mobility. We all have that magic spot on the couch or that super comfy arm-chair we like to space out in. Limit your time sitting in this magic spot and keep moving. Check out Kelly Staretts’Book “desk bound”, a very informative book on the effects of sitting too much and how to fix it.
6. Posting status updates: Yes, I am guilty of the food plate post with the description reading “yum”. This post then receives something like 50 likes. Success! I’ve won! People are liking the fact that I like my food. And, for a split second, I feel complete. Okay, maybe not complete. After I post said picture I look up and realize I missed out on being present with my wife, a rare chance in our life to connect at mealtime.  True connections are worth more than the empty “like”. When your time is up, you won’t regret not taking a picture of that surf and turf, but you might regret time lost not connecting to the ones you love.
7. Bringing work home: Your boss probably sucks, and there isnt much you can do about it. It’s the same everywhere. The grass is never truly “greener”. One thing you’ll find in any work force is angry employees. And, from time to time we might join those ranks. Where we go wrong is when we allow those feelings to bleed over into our homes. We become the “angry Dad” because of what happend at work. We can’t always control what happens to us at work, but we can control how we react to it. Get over it as soon as you walk through your front door. 
8. Frivolous purchases: buying stuff feels great, and can patch a hole in your psyche for a good moment. We want stuff. It’s kind of the way we are programmed. That new car, new shoes, the 80″ tv, we want it all. Measuring happiness by what items you’ve acquired is a sure way to an empty existence. Invest, instead, in experiences. Spend money on that trip you’ve always wanted to go on or a night out with good friends. The moment you purchase that”must have” item will be followed by the want to buy something else you don’t need. We’d all buy time if we could. But since that isn’t an option, at least buy some memories with loved ones.
9. Worrying about what others think: Have you ever heard of “flow state”? It’s a state in which you silence the inner critic, you forget about self editing and perform. It’s when we stop thinking about what other people may think. Think about how many great ideas have never been realized because people are afraid of what others may think. Strive for this. It’s extremely difficult in our ever judging society; however, if achieved, you will max out your potential to do great things.
10. Drinking: you can always afford to do less of this. A drink on occasion can actually be good for you. Where we get into trouble is when we make it a habit, having 3-4 drinks daily. I am a huge fan of craft beer and will have several throughout the week, but I can definitely afford to have less.

Now, I am not saying you need to cut these actions out or that it’s even possible to do so; However, limiting the amount of our day spent on these activities will help you substantially. Life is really about balance, to much of anything can be bad for you. Heck, even drinking to much water can be harmful.