For more years than I’d like to count, I start my day with computer games on my I-pad. I grab my cup of coffee and settle in for at least 30 minutes of games, but on many days for much longer. It is my way to ease into the day and get my mind moving around a bit.
At first, I thought it was just that, but soon I realized I could use it as a diagnostic tool of sorts. First, it reflects back to me how well I slow down and follow prompts or instructions. Several of the games I play change daily and often I jump in – to somewhat disastrous results. Lesson learned – take a moment to pause and understand the instructions, the objective, the framework for success before I start doing.
Next, because I play games that require different skills – memory, speed, strategy – I’m able to get a pretty good sense of where my focus and energy needs to be placed, especially for the first few hours of my workday. Many days, I completely change the order of my TO DO list based on the way I play my computer games. Lesson learned – take note in some way of how your mind and body are working on any given day and adapt your focus and attention accordingly.
Finally, enjoy whatever distraction, game, exercise, or ritual helps you start the day and helps you be most productive, engaged, and focused. Early on in my daily practice of computer games, I shamed myself or others shamed me. Wouldn’t it make more sense to meditate or stretch or read or quietly sip my cup of coffee? Maybe for others, but for me this has been my longest – and most enjoyable habit – and that says everything to me.
