Day 9
I am grateful that I have managed to maintain this streak of 9 days without gaming. I have been reflecting on this a lot today. The impulses are still there, but they are much more manageable now. I have been listening to Dr. K a lot over the past few days and one thing has really stuck. It’s about being grateful for initial success when forming a new habit, or trying to break a cycle. Often I want to achieve far more than is realistically possible in the amount of time that I have given myself. As a result I’m often unhappy with my progress and the speed of my change. I am punishing myself, impeding my own progress, by not reflecting on the positive achievements and progress that I have made, no matter how small or simple they may have been - such as not touching a video game for 9 days, and not consuming any gaming related content. I am so grateful for all the self-help videos, other journals, books and guides that I have listened to, that have kept me distracted, provided me with motivation and allowed me to maintain this result. My ability to focus is improving. I think I can help it along by practicing gratitude, and grabbing hold of positive impulses. When a positive thought bubbles up, I will try to be more aware of it, note it down, act on it if possible and most importantly reflect on those positive thoughts at the end of the day, and be grateful for them, for they will guide me from now on. I am grateful for the suggestion of keeping a journal, and that I had the courage to start one, it really does feel fantastic to have begun this journey. I will not get carried away, and let my guard slip. I remain focused but relaxed.
I want to include gratefulness as a regular part of my journal. Today I have done it in the main body of the text, but I will consider separating it and adding to the Tracking schedule.
Tracking:
Focus 5/10
Gratefulness journal completed above
Step by step,
Hal