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One month since the gaming ban
8 years ago
It has been one month since I have banned myself from playing video games. The goal of the ban was to help me be more productive and to motivate myself to move my life forward. Now, I wouldn't call the ban a disaster, but I haven't really gotten what I wanted out of this ban. While my productivity hasn't decreased, it hasn't increased either. I have made zero progress towards my goals of moving out and finding a new job, and my art production is as slow as ever. I ended up just finding new ways to distract myself, browsing internet forums and watching YouTube videos instead of playing video games. When I want to distract myself, I find ways to do it, no matter what those ways are.
The actual ban isn't so bad. I don't find myself missing playing video games as much as I thought I would. I could go on with this ban for longer, I would survive just fine. But a month out, I'm just not seeing the point of continuing with the ban, if it's not helping. Or at least, I don't see the point of keeping it the way it is-- perhaps I need to ban more distractions. It has been suggested to me. I worry about my well-being though; if I start to take away multiple forms of entertainment out of my life, it might lead to misery as opposed to being a source of motivation. Maybe just experimenting for a few days wouldn't hurt, though.
If I were to just give up the ban, I think I would take the advice of one of my good friends, and just limit my time playing games. And I could extend that to other activities as well. I would want to take -something- from this experience, even if I wasn't able to achieve what I was attempting.
I'm not sure what I should do from here. If I should keep things as they are and see where it goes, or if I should to take a different road from here. Your input would be helpful. Thank you all for the comments in my previous journal.
The actual ban isn't so bad. I don't find myself missing playing video games as much as I thought I would. I could go on with this ban for longer, I would survive just fine. But a month out, I'm just not seeing the point of continuing with the ban, if it's not helping. Or at least, I don't see the point of keeping it the way it is-- perhaps I need to ban more distractions. It has been suggested to me. I worry about my well-being though; if I start to take away multiple forms of entertainment out of my life, it might lead to misery as opposed to being a source of motivation. Maybe just experimenting for a few days wouldn't hurt, though.
If I were to just give up the ban, I think I would take the advice of one of my good friends, and just limit my time playing games. And I could extend that to other activities as well. I would want to take -something- from this experience, even if I wasn't able to achieve what I was attempting.
I'm not sure what I should do from here. If I should keep things as they are and see where it goes, or if I should to take a different road from here. Your input would be helpful. Thank you all for the comments in my previous journal.
*
strips naked andputs on his wizzard robe and hat, rolls D20 for charisma *I think most have the right idea of just limiting play time. Whenever I have a problem I just play a little to destress and find a solution as I play. But I also admit to hiding in my games since I'm not really sure what direction to take with my life. I doubt playing more or leas or not at all wouldn't really change much. A change in surroundings can help you make progress maybe. Or making a schedule as silly as it sounds.
I wish I had a clear answer for you. But I have the same problem so I'm not sure what could really be done either. Or maybe it's because I'm going off like 4 hours of sleep, lol. I feel like I'm rambling at this point. But I guess I'll stop with saying that I believe you'll get to that place you want to be in. Just takes a bit of work and patience.
Limiting play time seems to be the way to go... an hour a day, or a chapter a day, or whatever. Maybe two hours on a day off.
I suppose the thing to do is, well, anything. Anything is better than nothing. Thanks for the advice, Distorted, it was very helpful, and appreciated.
You still are allowed to relax from times to times as long as its not the only activity you're doing
Seriously -- that's what Space Pawdyssey did for me. Got me drawing daily.
Anyway, I find that to be more productive toward what you love, it's more a matter of adjusting your own mindset and motivations, not so much as just removing what you -think- distracts you.
If anything, relaxing and relieving some stresses through video games can be more beneficial and productive. At least, in my experience. I tend to blame video games for when I feel unproductive, but then I remember how much stresses they tend to relieve for me. And I'd never be able to manage what I can without that relief. It's a mere matter of taking all things within reason.
Don't take yourself for granted, Rob. You're very dedicated and skilled, more so than you may think. Just keep trying for what you love, and you will surprise yourself <3
Hewge, your comment means a lot to me, especially because I respect you a lot. Thank you, and I will keep working towards my goals.
Thanks for reaching out, please don't say it's silly because it made me happy! Thank you!