I need to unclutter a few bad habits and have decided the best approach is to start by going cold turkey with silly computer games (such as Mah Jongg). I'm hoping that by making a commitment to post my progress everyday, I'll succeed. I've tried setting limits on my game time, but that hasn't worked. So here goes...
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Posted 7 months ago #
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Good luck to you! I will not be joining right now as "trying to keep sane" is about as much of a task as I can handle, but I hope this forum turns out to be the accountability you need.
Posted 7 months ago # -
I don't know, this is just a suggestion, but what if instead of trying to curb the habit as such, you were to look for the REASONS why you are wasting time on stuff that is neither a necessity nor really a joy (it's just something to kill time/procrastinate), and then tackle those straight at the source?
I'm concerned that if you try to kick that habit without knowing WHY you're doing it, you may not get far and worse, you will be frustrated and will beat yourself up needlessly :-) Or you could even end up sneaking another 'bad' habit without realizing it to replace it!
Posted 7 months ago # -
Yes, good luck to you! I hope you can find a healthy pastime to replace the computer games.
I managed to declutter my bad habit of cursing on my "Give it up" thread where I posted my success or failure every day in August. I penalized myself $1 for every curse word, which was ouchy enough of an incentive to give up cursing... $12 total penalties for the first month, $3 total for the second month, and so far I'm clean this month, knock wood.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Lgtr- good luck to you. Those "silly internet games" really can be addictive. I've had my favorites on and off over the years. Huge time sinks. You already know there are better ways to engage your mind, but have you figured out what you're going to do with that time instead? I agree with mili that you could find a replacement. I replaced games with StumbleUpon, and would spend entire weekends on the site.
Posted 7 months ago # -
mili - As a result of your suggestion, I've been thinking about why I waste time on silly games. Here's what I've come with: they're addictive, I'm a born procrastinator, and probably most importantly, I'm overwhelmed by the amount of work I should be doing to unclutter our house.
mili, Ella, JuliaJayne - I've got several things to take the place of the games, and they're things I really enjoy: cross stitch, reading, playing the piano (I've got a keyboard that I've hardly used). Those are the fun things, plus I really do have to dig in and unclutter the house.
Thanks for the advice and encouragement. I'll report back at the end of the day.
Posted 7 months ago # -
It's 10:30 PM and I've made it through the day without giving into the temptation to play Mah Jongg or some other game online. Can't say I've accomplished any other uncluttering of significance - just the day's mail that went into the recycle bin. But tomorrow's another day. :)
Posted 7 months ago # -
Day 2 - Success: I stayed away from computer games. Did some yardwork, went grocery shopping and made dinner with DH. Recycled 99% of the mail, deleted a bunch of emails and replied to important ones. Time to read before bed.
Posted 7 months ago # -
http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/medmatters
There's a really interesting segment on how to break bad habits, and the difference between breaking bad habits and taking up good ones. Worth a listen, it's mostly diet-focussed but they talk about habits generally. The segment starts at 12 min if you want to listen to just that bit.Posted 7 months ago # -
lottielot - Thanks for the suggestion. I've just downloaded the podcast, and now I have to figure out how to use our MP3 player!
BTW - I made it thru yesterday without playing a game.
Posted 7 months ago # -
LGTR - good work! I'll bet if you can keep this up for a couple of weeks, you will find you've lost all interest in the games.
Posted 7 months ago # -
LGTR - I'm totally behind you! I'm all about giving up rather than doing less or in moderation! (I also adopt the same idea in doing for a whole month, not just 'three times a week I'll go to the gym' to create a habit).
I'm off facebook this month, both a time sink and a morality depleter. I don't feel closer to people usually and I get jealous. INterestingly, I'm not even tempted - only thing I've asked my brother to do is check if there's any wall messages - there was one. privtae messages will have to wait.
But enough about me, happy to cheer you on and support your habit changes!
Posted 7 months ago # -
I moved my laptop to an uncomfortable table and broke a several-months'-long game streak. I've been off (the rather stupid) games I was playing for a couple of months now. Can't say I've used ALL the time creatively, but I definitely have more time to read. I have a netbook on the breakfast table and do most of my web surfing over morning coffee. Moving the laptop was really helpful.
Posted 7 months ago # -
lottielot - I found the podcast interesting. Thanks again.
Still haven't played any games, and the attraction is lessening, but not gone yet. I won't give up the computer altogether, because it's the easiest way for me to stay in touch with a wide variety of friends and family, and it's how I reserve library books for DH to pick up.
We're going out of town next week with only my netbook, and that's not much good for playing, so that'll help me continue this streak.
Posted 7 months ago # -
Ltgtr: well done, keep it up! Glad you liked the podcast, I have another excellent one to suggest now: iprocrastinate (do a search on iTunes for it). Very thoughtful, philosophical and scholarly discussion of all aspects of procrastination, I really enjoy it and it motivates me to procrastinate less!
Posted 7 months ago #
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