Anyone else have this problem? · 6:57am Mar 2nd, 2013
Hey people. Before getting back to work on Chapter 16, there's something I need your guy's advice on. Something non-writing related.
To start off, how many of you play video games? Okay, put your hands down. Now, how many of you use video games as your main source of entertainment? Really?! Me too!
And there's the heart of the problem. You see, I am absolutely addicted to video games. I love 'em. I play 'em. And I play 'em enough that they end up taking a big portion of my free time. Video games are the main reason my last chapter (and as it's turning out, this one) took as long as it did. I had a ton of school work, yes, but the rest of my free time that should've been devoted to writing was instead used to play video games. In the summer I had no work to do, so it didn't really mater. But now that we're smack dab in the middle of the school year, video games are making nearly impossible to write.
Which is, again, the main problem. You see, I would much rather write than play games. Writing is the kind of semi-work that you really enjoy, and when it's over you feel a strong sense of satisfaction. I think it goes without saying that video games provide practically no satisfaction at all, just a short term fun-burst. But while my brain would much rather write, my brain's evil stepson twin sister from a parallel universe would like nothing more than to spend every waking hour not doing homework playing video games.
So that's why I'm asking you: can any of you people suggest a method or strategy for kicking this thing? I'm just saying that I'd much rather spend my time writing for you guys, but my brain is making that a little hard right now.
Please leave any suggestions up above.
P. S. YES, it took me half a year to finally figure out what was taking me so long to write. Fricking pound me with rocks.
Same exact thing is happening to me. And by same exact thing, I mean to a 't' with a capital 'T'
The only was I was able to get off my computer was when it was broken and I sent it for repairs... the only thing I can think of is unhook your internet or Xbox or something I'm not really sure how to solve this type of situation either. Lol
I know that feel bro...
I do three things when I have a video game inch I can't scratch and I know I have to do something else.
1: I take my controller and stick it in some random ass place in my house, usually my garage.
2: Take whatever game I want to play and put it on the opposite side of my house from my controller.
And 3: Unplug my console from my TV. That way, it's such a complete chore to set up everything up, I just say "forget it" and do whatever it is I have to do. I hope this helps in any way.
That depends on what game you're playing. If it's a game with a storyline then just beat the game, but if it had no end, then yes, unplug ALL THE WIRES.
I just screw it and play the game, nobody likes my writing anyway, so nobody's missing out.
Have a jolly good day
Yeah, I'm actuelly in the same vote. But, heres something you can try. Set up a schedual for your free time,or leave a sticky note on your console that says "Write first, play later" or something like that. it should reminde you to stay the fuck off. also, you could always just take EchoWolf21's suggestion. Just thinking about setting everything up would make you tired of playing for a while.
if you're living with someone tell them to hide an important wire from you.
I hear you. I cannot escape the clutches of Minecraft and Nintendo classics like Paper Mario. VIDEO GAMES ARE TAKING OVER MY LIFE!
While I should be studying...
This is a pretty normal problem, I think. Not being addicted to video games specifically (though that isn't all that unusual), but more generally finding mindless tasks to spend your time on instead of doing things that actually make you feel like you're accomplishing something. That's something I have a problem with as well.
As with all addictions, the cure seems to be mostly discipline. Well, simply advising "discipline" has probably never helped anyone in such a situation in the history of the world ever, but luckily I remembered this video which has some good tips about structuring things up (as well as going into a little science).
Personally I haven't gotten my scheduling down just yet. I suppose I really shouldn't be the guy to offer advice on this topic, but... well, yeah.
To summarize: split up what you want to do (for example, a chapter of your story) into smaller parts or tasks that seem less daunting. Give yourself deadlines (you can do this for the smaller parts rather than the whole thing too, e.g 'I will finish this scene between these characters by Thursday'). Schedule some time purely for writing. Keep track of what and how much you actually do and compare that to what you were planning to do in that time. Our brains have a tendency to wander, so make sure to have your plan in writing somewhere where you can't ignore it.
And that's my five. I hope it helps.
What I did, was I threw away every thought of games, and closed it out of sheer willpower before coming here and writing. Eventually, within a few minutes, you'll get obsessed with wanting to finish the chapter, where you'll spend all of your time. When it's done, I take a break.
I don't know what I just said, but it's to basically through those games down.
Discipline, sheer force of will, or both.
Frankly, it's a problem for most of us.
I would actually suggest using your own financial situation as leverage against your needs. If you know you don't want to spend the time on video games, then how about not wearing down your wallet as a motivation? As someone who had ditched consoles completely for the occasional PC game on Steam, I'm starting to realize that watching Let's Plays of certain games on YouTube can be just as satisfying as playing the game itself. (So too, I built my own PC from parts. Something that can be relatively expensive up front, but never buying any accessories or games for consoles + Steam sales more than makes up for it. The replay value for many multiplayer games on PC too is quite incredible.) I suppose that would be like substituting a television addiction for an internet browsing one, but at least you'd be knocking two birds out with one stone.
Really, the "cold-turkey" approach that some people have suggested is just personal discipline. Maybe it would work? Maybe not.
At least what you can do for yourself is try to find a different form of inspiration, since I too am somebody who finds a lot of good literary concept and content through video game plots too. I mean, hell, if you're just looking for good story content you could always fall back on audio books to listen to while you try to write.
It may sound really stupid, but honestly once you start writing and get in the groove of things you just keep on trucking.
I am a notorious procrastinator, but once I actually start writing I can forget about everything else and focus.
Take this advice:
Write. Every. Day.
It can be one word, it can be ten thousand words, but write something every day. And don't impose any strict deadlines or goals on yourself. Write down what comes to you, see if you like it, and if you do, you got yourself a story.
Just force yourself to press the first letter on GDocs, or equivalent, and I guarantee you that you'll be speeding through chapters in no time.
Now, if only I could follow my own advice.
Carry On