Moderation is the Key

We hear it all the time, everything in moderation. Gaming is no different, in fact, I think moderation in gaming is critical. In my travels I have come across many fellow gamers that have differing views on "how much is too much." In my humble opinion no matter how much time I decide to spend gaming (and I will admit to spending alot) it is too much.

I recently heard that Dr. Phil, everyone's favorite help me help you guru, had tackled the deadbeat World of Warcraft dad. I have not seen the episode, so I will not vouch for it's content, but I think it is telling that the good Dr. chose to cover gaming and specifically online MMO gaming. It like other things can lead to trouble if not used in moderation.

I never been afraid to open myself up to constructive criticism so I went to the "drphil.com" website and mentally took the test to see where I was on the obsessed meter. To my relief I still had a loving family, a job and career, and was not throwing those things out the window to game, but I also found myself closer to the "you're too obsessed" meter than I would have liked. So of course that set me up for some introspective reflection, which of course led to this week's post. I think I am a pretty balanced person, but I know there is always room for improvement. Here is my two bits on how to take gaming, particulary MMO type games in moderation:

-Let your loved ones be open to you. If they say you're spending too much time in the game then most likely you are. Remember your real life family needs you, they depend on you and they are worthy of more than token attention. NEVER take them for granted and NEVER let your game time interfere with meaningful time with them.

-First thing is first. I always try and take care of the to do list first. Now I'm not perfect at it, but I find it works. This is especially true on weekends where it is easy to see your Saturday project time get sucked up in the online "black hole" if you let it.

-Set your boundries. Make sure you schedule time away from the game. Sunday is my time and when my wife wants to go out on Friday or Saturday we go. The game will wait for you. Your sweetheart may not!

-Finally if you find it hard to follow these guidelines then I think it is time to get some help. I know a few people that helped themselves. They turned off their accounts for good. If you can't moderate than remove, no shame in that