How to Stay Productive as a Gamer

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We all know that video games are a good source of recreation and a great way to socialize with friends at a distance. However, it is easy to let the hours go by and lose your productive edge for the day.

I spent most of my teen years gaming for 10+ hours a day, nothing else felt as comfortable and rewarding. Eventually, I decided it was time to spend my time on other things more important to me.

To do that, I had to dramatically transform my video gaming habits. By following the steps below, I am now managing my gaming habits more intentionally. I am proactively achieving my goals and ambitions, and I feel fulfilled.

1.?Go to the Roots

To overhaul my gaming lifestyle, I had to go to the roots to find the purpose of playing video games. Ultimately, I realized the chief function of gaming is to provide recreation.

Gaming is a way to relax, and recreation is a productive use of time. However, there is a point when too much recreation turns into a time-wasting activity. The breaking point is different for every individual, yet it always exists.

The key is to identify the fine line that separates recreation from time waste. Once established, you can effectively weave video games into a productive workday.

Application:?Recognize that video games are a medium for recreation, and too much recreation becomes a time waste.

2.?Less is More

The law of diminishing marginal utility states, "as consumption increases, the marginal utility derived from each additional unit declines." In our case, the longer you play video games, the less benefit you get from each additional hour.

For example, the first hour you play will feel fun and exhilarating. In the second hour, you'll still be having fun. Third, you may enjoy it slightly less than before. Fourth, you might start getting mad. The pattern continues as time goes on.

It is important to acknowledge that moderation is key to finding the time-efficient benefit from gaming. For me, playing for 1.5 hours a day is the point where I get the maximum benefit for my time. Find that point for yourself.

Application:?Apply the law of diminishing marginal utility to your time spent playing video games. Determine your point of optimal benefit for your time spent gaming.

3.?Make It Intentional

Once you determine your point of optimal benefit, the end goal is to maintain that level daily. To do this, you must become intentional with your time spent on the games by taking a proactive approach.

Right before you get on video games, start a timer to track your playtime. If you use a calendar app, create calendar events to track it. Whatever your method, the aim is to stay within the time limit you've set for yourself.

Be careful not to make any radical adjustments to your volume of gaming, as you may relapse into your old habits. This approach involves slowly cutting down the amount of time spent gaming each day until you reach your optimal point.

Application:?Proactively track your time spent playing video games. Slowly reduce the time you spend gaming each day until you reach your point of optimal benefit.

4.?Order Matters

In the past, I used to play video games "whenever I felt like it." It turns out, this mentality was severely limiting the productive hours in my day. When I would face resistance during my work, I would stop and play video games.

Video games are stimulating and release a surge of dopamine in our system. This is great for relaxation, but harmful to our motivation afterward. It is challenging to go from a high dopamine environment back to doing mundane work.

We have to get our work done either way, so it is better to do the work first and play video games after. This tip alone transformed my relationship with gaming. Instead of being something I do to avoid work, I do it as a reward for work.

Application:?Finish your work before playing video games. Or at the very least, do not start your day playing games. You will be more motivated while doing work and enjoy video games more after your work.

5.?Reallocate Your Time Effectively

When I was in the process of cutting back my gaming hours, I would replace the freed-up time by watching YouTube. This was a total mistake. By replacing recreation with recreation, I commit to no real change.

You worked hard to commit to a healthy change in your lifestyle, so now take advantage of your newfound free time by spending it somewhere worthwhile. Look for something constructive that will benefit you in the long term.?

The key here is to find activities that are fulfilling to your soul and bring you a sense of satisfaction. Under these criteria, I picked up the hobbies of journaling, meditating, and reading books. These activities refresh my well-being.

Application:?Effectively spend your new free time. Choose activities that are fulfilling and benefit you in the long term. By replacing your previous gaming time, you squash any opportunity to relapse.

6.?Don't Give Up

The journey toward effectively managing my gaming habits was not easy. There were a handful of times when I would crumble and spend the whole day gaming. Expect this to happen to you too.

It is okay that this happens. Your gaming-heavy lifestyle was set and stone for a long time, change does not happen so smoothly. The most important thing to do is continually try your best to change, even if your best isn't optimal.

I found solace in the fact that I was seeing results as I progressed. During the following weeks, I didn't feel ashamed while gaming, I felt a motivation boost, and my time spent playing slowly decreased. This progress continued to motivate me.

Application:?There will be days when you break your limits, this is expected. You are guaranteed to take control of your gaming habits if you try your best and don't give up.

Helping Others Keep a Balance

If you know someone who games excessively, naturally you may worry about them. You want them to understand the drawbacks of this lifestyle. Unfortunately, we both know that they don't listen to this advice so easily.

There is nothing you can do to directly influence their habits. Any controlling force will be met with equal or greater resistance and build resentment. However, there are ways to indirectly influence their thoughts and actions.

The first step is to look at things from their point of view. Seek first to understand why they live that lifestyle. Once they feel completely understood, they will be more receptive to influence.

Then, tell them about any mistakes you have made involving excessive recreation. Emphasize the unforeseen consequences that came with overindulgence. Be careful not to impose on their lifestyle, make this about your experiences.

For example, I would say "I used to game 10+ hours a day and I realized I was wasting my potential. I felt ashamed and unsatisfied with my life. Once I finally made time for more meaningful goals, I was much happier and fulfilled."

Finally, let them know that you are there for them and support them no matter what. Even if they aren't receptive, it's at least nice for them to know that you are routing for them and understand their habits.

One last note: in the event you talk about their gaming habits directly, make sure to emphasize that?it is the behavior that is unhealthy, not the person.?They are not their bad behaviors, make sure they know they are a good person.