Stuck in an endless loop

[CompleX]

I really do believe my problem here is spread widely throughout the population, but, as many others, I can't find my way out of it. Here's what it's all about:

Ever since I was a kid, I enjoyed playing video games, but let's say this 'hobby' of mine went from playing for fun, to a life style kind of thing. Actually, my entire life suffered for years because of my seemingly bizarre obsession. I'm actually at the center of the line between being an introvert and an extrovert. Which is why, when I discovered this gold mine (stevepavlina.com), I experimented, and actually found fulfillment on the latter. The enjoyment I get out of playing video games hurt my life in all the areas of my life. I got bad grades last year because I didn't prioritize, I would often stay up late at night and wake up tired, being unable to use my full potential in the next soccer game and I would feel so disconnected from the world, for not staying in touch with my friends, all because of this...obsession. And this still hasn't changed.

It's like I know what's causing me problems and I have all the resources I could dream of to turn this around, but that's still not enough to throw me in action! I am simply locked, most of the time I sit in front of the PC and allow it to eat my brains out. Whenever I feel inspired, motivated, it's just a matter of time before I return to my old habits. It just doesn't last.

Can someone come up with a more permanent solution to this? Procrastination is my number one enemy in life right now, I would do anything to get rid of it, given the fact that it's something practical.

[nietsdoen]

I'm sort of in the same position, but ask yourself this question:

How good can I stand it? How deserving am I of a successful, fulfilling, prosperous life? Do I love myself enough to keep going?

Once you've established complete and total self love, acceptance, and worth, you can realize that your mind, your ego, your thoughts, is the only thing holding you back from success. Self sabotage, really, which is why establishing complete self love, worth, and acceptance is crucial *see above*

That may not be the only reason you procrastinate, but it sounds to me as if it could be, since you, like me, have all the tools and only need to take action. To take action, you basically need to just cut the bullcrap and just do it. Why isn't this happening? Because your mind is stopping you -- creating excuses, creating roadblocks, that really are fake. Video games are fake, created by minds, manifesting in your mind. You're using them to escape the HUGE SUCCESS your life could be if you actually took action. Am I right?

I hope this post at least helped a little.

[Karanime]

I absolutely agree with everything above ^^^

Self-love is ESSENTIAL to doing anything you want in life. You have to wake up and be excited to be you!

Now, for a quick solution to building this in you. Instead of using your motivation to force yourself to change, use it to change your environment.

Change something so you physically cannot do whatever is holding you back. If it's the video games, then put them away. For a drastic solution, give them away. Yes, it hurts, but it's worth it. You'll have a great life, great friends.

You'll go out and do something amazing. You'll be fulfilled, finally.

And once you hit that point, there's no going back.

[Clint Cora]

Of course it wouldn't be practical to trash your PC so to overcome procrastination, you probably have to get in with other people who can help you achieve the things you want to achieve. This sounds very general for now but the thing is many people need to be with a group of people where folks can push each other a bit.

[NicB]

I'm in a pretty similar situation to this (except replace video games with internet), so i'll be interested to see what people have to say about this.

I don't think the video games/internet is the problem, it's obviously something deeper in our mind. But figuring it out is the tricky part.

Originally Posted by Karanime

You have to wake up and be excited to be you!

That is so awesome to read.
For the past year or 2 every time i've woken up i've been like "blegh".
How different life would be if i woke up feeling excited to be me!
Thank you for the eye opener.

[CompleX]

You simply have no idea how much my mindset and my hopes change for the future of not only my life, but of everyone else's when I witness such kindness and wisdom. I confess, I have read substantial material on this, but it helps a lot to be backed up by someone, someone who kind of understands what I'm going through. You can call me a spoiled brat if you want, I know I am :P

I can't really say my reality is surrounded by people who support me. On the contrary, the only person that really cares is my mother. I guess what I actually needed was a bit of encouragement!

I tried the 30-day trial concerning this, but to no avail. Although I did notice a pattern in my behavior, but to which, as above, still haven't overcome it. I suppose by the way I have been raised, I strive for perfection. In every single thing. And this is where things get complicated. My mind's creating roadblocks, for instance, when I want to ask a girl out. And because of the 'perfection' setback, I'm thinking if I screw this up, I will be doomed, literally. And another example might be, say a hard and/or long project, with a deadline. Well, turns out I end up not even starting it. At one point, having my head filled with so many solutions and knowledge, I started asking myself if I have problems with my head.

Y'know, I'm starting to think the childhood experience strengthens or weakens an individual when they grow up, based on positive or negative outcomes.

Simply taking the time to read my post is a huge help for me, knowing that in this world, there are people that care. And a whole bunch of them. I'm glad not everyone's twisted and selfish. I was starting to lose hope, really.