Introduction

[Granitwelle]

Hello everybody,

it has been two weeks now that I quit gaming cold turkey. I sold and got rid of anything gaming related which I had amassed over a period almost two decades. Games, consoles, figurines and even everything anime and manga-related which might trigger a relapse - good riddance. Getting rid of everything was surprisingly easy and took less dedication than expected, however I now have to restructure my life in an attempt to unleash the dormant innate potential which I have neglected all those years. I've found this homepage some time ago and kept returning, now I have finally decided to register to take my resolve to the next level and learn a bit from you who have succeeded and who have walked this path for longer periods of time than I do. The homepage, forum and success stories I read are indeed positive input in finally overcoming this vicious cycle

First things first, I am 26 years old and spent the previous 18 years either working just enough on school assignments or other minor projects to get by while I'd spend my free time reading manga, watching anime, playing games and listening to Rock/Metal. My addiction started with a PlayStation back in 1997. I developed a strong affinity for immersive, but time-consuming JRPGs (Final Fantasy, Breath of Fire, Dark Cloud etc.). I would own a Play Station from each generation as well as handheld devices (Vita, PSP, GB Advance till 3DS). Later, I switched from console gaming to PC gaming since most of my friends would play WoW and/or Battlefield.

Long story short, many friends failed school, some became depressed and started abusing certain substances and I would distance myself further from my former circle which was falling apart at this point in time anyway. From then on, I became a workaholic, only focusing on studies while still escaping into the virtual world whenever possible. I finished a BA degree and I'm about to finish another BA soon, doing reasonably well in academic matters. Still, gaming was a massive time sink and I decided to pull the plug before my life went down the drain. Hundreds of hours that could have been spent on cultivating proper skills, becoming eloquent and confident were spent on pushing buttons and sitting in front of a PC (massive regret)... Overcoming anxiety and self-doubt will be a major challenge for the next few months/years.

I want to spend my time on self-actualization, useful hobbies as well as socializing now in order to make up for the lost years. Thanks for reading through this rather lengthy post,  I'm looking forward to many interesting discussions on the boards

 

 

 

 

Edited March 9, 2017 by Granitwelle

[Keri2323]

Congrats on your success so far mate and maintaining a great academic record despite gaming. I often wonder what I could have done with all those hours I pumped into gaming, but eventually came round to the idea I still have a long life ahead and there is no better time to start than now!

Like you, today is exactly my two week anniversary of quitting games. I too sold my console, deleted everything from my PC, don't need any reminders right now. Bizarrely today has been the toughest day for me so far, been so close to justifying to myself that I've worked hard so I 'deserve' to have a quick gaming session. But It's never quick. And it's never deserved. I deserve more than endless hours of regret in the future. 

In the last two weeks since quitting, amongst other things I finally drew up my rugby coaching CV and landed a job for next season and a paid job this season. I literally would not have bothered to take the effort and time had I still been engrossed in some game that leaves me nothing. 

Well done mate, look forward to your progress and ideas :-)


 

[Cam Adair]

Really happy you're here with us!

[Granitwelle]

Like you, today is exactly my two week anniversary of quitting games. I too sold my console, deleted everything from my PC, don't need any reminders right now. Bizarrely today has been the toughest day for me so far, been so close to justifying to myself that I've worked hard so I 'deserve' to have a quick gaming session. But It's never quick. And it's never deserved. I deserve more than endless hours of regret in the future. 

In the last two weeks since quitting, amongst other things I finally drew up my rugby coaching CV and landed a job for next season and a paid job this season. I literally would not have bothered to take the effort and time had I still been engrossed in some game that leaves me nothing. 

Well done mate, look forward to your progress and ideas :-)


 

I fully agree. It is never too late to change and I am glad we both realize that. Gaming is simulated progress, a virtual pat on the back, a quick dopamine fix faking progress while we drift further away in real life, wasting away hours of precious time. Stay proactive and don't let games entice you for another quick round. I already start to feel the withdrawal effects, wondering what to do with my time. I've been reading a lot but still it feels awkward. Started to socialise more and signed up at my local gym. Apparently it takes 90 days to re calibrate the brain - let's break the habit. I'll press onward as well!

Really happy you're here with us!

Thanks for the warm welcome!

Edited March 10, 2017 by Granitwelle

[Schwing]

 I'd spend my free time reading manga, watching anime, playing games and listening to Rock/Metal

The story of my life.

Good job getting in the gym. Exercise is the best antidepressant. And it's addictive as fuck.

I wish you the best of luck, friend