I swore off xbox 360 because I wanted to make my life better. I haven’t played at all, but unfortunately I don’t think I’ve made any vast improvements in my life. So what’s my problem?
Let me start by breaking down a typical day:
I get out of bed with just enough time to shower, take the dogs out, and run to work (usually 10 mins late). I grab something to eat on the way to work, and then eat at my desk while I check my email. I work for 8-9 hours, and then run home to make dinner. Afterwards I may clean the apartment for a bit or play with the dogs. Lately I’ve been watching tv or foolin’ around online in the evening for a few hours, and then it’s off to bed.
So what’s missing? First off, I’m not exercising. So I might as well be sitting on the couch playing video games as far as my body is concerned. Secondly, I’m not working towards any of my goals. I would like to own a condo/house. I would like to go to law school. I would like to learn to play the piano. I would like to learn a second language. BUT, I’m not any closer to any of those things than I was 15 days ago. I’m just treading water.
So tonight, I’d like to start by studying for the LSAT (Law School Admissions Test). I think 30 minutes is a good place to start. Afterwards, I want to hit the sack a little early, so that tomorrow I can get up and work out. Nothing insane, I think an easy 20 minute run before starting my day will suffice. Afterwards, and this is a big one, I’d like to eat breakfast before leaving the house. I’ll report tomorrow on my success or failure. If it all works out maybe I can add a few more things. Wish me luck!
February 14, 2008 at 7:10 pm
What is your motivation for attending law school? Interested in Politics? I want to eventually go when I am older and perhaps try to run for some kind of public office.
February 17, 2008 at 9:52 am
Your situation really illustrates well how easy gaming fills in the blank spots in one’s life, and just taking away gaming doesn’t automatically put back in the missing pieces.
Getting out of the game is a start, and maybe that’s the easy part (though it feels anything but easy). I think it’s the “filling in the blanks” that takes the real work, and finding the things that bring you a sense of passion, purpose, and most importantly joy. Then there’s finding the time to do them when you work a long day. Sooo much easier just to slide back into the game – but such a trap. I guess that’s what leads people to relapse.
Building the kind of life you envision for yourself is really hard work, but once you’ve set up the structure it’s so much more fulfilling. I really admire your progress.
April 27, 2008 at 2:50 pm
“just do it”