Quote:
Originally Posted by scaredandconfused
I have an odd system that works for me when I implement it, where I play a game for a certain amount of time (or implement a goal, like I can gain one level) and then do something productive. This can be exercise, taking a bath, washing a load of dishes, taking out the trash, etc. Then I allow myself to play the game again for a certain amount of time, or gain a level, then do another productive thing. It helps me to not feel overwhelmed by the chore, knowing that I can have some game time in between doing productive things. It may not work for you but maybe someone else could benefit from this system.
I recently started levelling up a new character in World of Warcraft and allow myself to get one level before doing something productive. It does work for me!  |
Agreed! Small rewards between annoying tasks can be motivating and work really well for some people. Gretchen Rubin has a post on abstainers vs. moderators when it comes to treats and temptations (
https://gretchenrubin.com/happiness_...person-a-quiz/).
I'm definitely an abstainer -- it's all or nothing for me. If I have access to a tempting reward (e.g. videos, games, doughnuts), I *will* gorge. It's easier for me to stay away when I need to get work done and then indulge "recklessly" when I know I have the time to "waste".
Of course, my life would get boring if I had no "treats" at all, so I try very hard to add some light and laughter to my life by volunteering and staying in touch with people, even when I want to hide under the blankets. Human contact usually makes me feel better because it helps me get out of my head, in spite of the inertia that makes me want to stay at home. Then again, I'm a slightly awkward extrovert. Spending time with others might be harder for introverts.