2,454 Days Without Gaming: Why I Still Don’t Play (Even in Moderation)

Today marks 2,454 days since I quit playing video games, and I’m often asked why I don’t try to play in moderation.

Here’s why:

It’s not that I don’t think I could potentially play games in moderation… (although that’s a huge risk with how gaming warps the brain)…

But it’s because I don’t like the person I am when I’m gaming.

If I was gaming I would only do the bare minimum in my life to get by, so I could maximize the amount of “free time” I have to game.

I wouldn’t have gone surfing this morning, or be traveling in Byron Bay, Australia right now. I wouldn’t have that many friends, most likely no relationships, and certainly not my own business.

I would simply work whatever job I had to that would pay me enough money to pay my rent, and then I’d spend all the rest of my time playing. And that’s if I managed to even keep a job, or have my own apartment in the first place.

We know from research that there are alarming trends for the amount of men living at home, unemployed, and without partners, and with no interest in any of it! Is gaming the cause of all of this? Of course not.

Is Gaming Part of the Solution?

Now that’s the point. Are games good or bad… should you play in moderation or not…

All of it comes down to one simple truth: is gaming truly serving you? Or is it just a way for you to escape and check out from a life that you’re not very proud of?

Watch: How to Overcome Escapism

From the study we did with Dr. Daniel King, 60% of you reported that being able to escape in the game was hugely important. Which begs the question, what are you trying to escape from?

And is gaming helping you escape temporarily… or is it solving the problems you’re escaping from in the first place?

Only you know that answer.

The reason I don’t game is because it no longer serves me. Yes it was fun, and yes it was meaningful, but I no longer wanted to live my life doing the bare minimum. I actually wanted to accomplish something real, like to be happy… and realize my true potential.

At least in my case, the results speak for themselves. Aloha!

So what’s the answer for you? Leave yours in the comments below.

It’s Not Just Me

Chander, a member of our community, also realized gaming wasn’t serving him any longer and he decided to quit after finding himself punching walls, lying to his mom, and skipping class.

“This cold, dark piece of plastic that I could hold in my hand had changed me into someone I did not know.”

So what happened after he quit? Read Chander’s story here.

If you’re ready to quit gaming and turn your life around, commit to the 90 day detox and grab a copy of Respawn to help you succeed.

Join us on the forums and start a daily journal. The extra help from the community will make a huge difference for you.

– Cam

P.S. If you’d like to share your story to inspire others, submit it here.