The world is inundated with information. The news cycle is a never-ending 24-hour loop of (mostly) bad news. Many of us are addicted to our devices, forever connected to the latest updates from friends, family and our favorite celebrities (who, in many cases, seem to be living lives far grander than our own). This provides an illusion of greater connection, but it actually widens the divide between our sense of self and others (often resulting in feelings of dissatisfaction, inferiority and depression).

Exceptional success requires the ability to effectively manage the daunting challenges that we are forced to face on a daily basis. This is difficult to do if you are consumed by the noise of a world forever competing for our attention. We must find a way to shut out negative forces, messages and temptations and remain connected to our inner wisdom. This often requires radical action to reverse the daily conditioning.

If you’re up to the task, I have a life changing challenge for you. Pick a day when you’re not working (when you can be free of obligations and schedule yourself at will). Commit to a media/technology/noise fast. From the time that you awaken until 6:00 pm (I find that it is easier to free yourself for the evening!), refrain from indulging in media of any kind—no smart phone, television, radio, music or reading. Become comfortable with silence. You will most likely begin to feel restless as the voices in your head become louder, urging you to check your email, text messages, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat or call a friend. Breathe through it! Eventually, you will begin to feel an unexpected peace, a lightness, as if you have shed a heavy burden. You will find that you are once again connecting with your spirit, inner-wisdom and a peace that surpasses basic understanding.

Success or sabotage? Success often requires the discipline to choose that which is more effective (rather than that which is easy).

Is this going to be an incredible day? Every day is incredible in its potential. It is a question of whether we will use it to our advantage.