I Learned Things About Myself Playing Video Games
I used to play a game called MapleStory every day I could, and sometimes eight hours a day and longer. But this post is not about my MapleStory addiction. Instead, I am going to explain the things I learned about myself from playing the game.
This is not a sarcastic post. It is not meant to be silly or a joke. I am going to do my best to explain what I learned about myself playing this MMO all the time. If only I could apply these skills for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, real life is not quite as fun as video games. I suppose I should try anyway, though!
I Wanted to Get to Level 200 in Maple Story
One of my biggest MapleStory goals was getting to the max level of 200. It was 200 when I played. Now the max level is 300.
The closer I got to the goal, the more motivated I was. Every milestone sparked excitement and pushed me to work harder. Once I was level 190, it was only a matter of time.
Then I finally leveled up to 200. Getting to level 200 was one of my major life goals. I still remember how excited I was to do this. I had been playing the game for years across multiple characters before I stuck with one long enough to do this.
When I still played the game, I remember the cap being pushed to level 250. I did not make it to level 250. In my mind, I had made my initial goal, and I was happy. I am not sure if I will go back to the game to try to get to level 300. I might change my mind in the future.
What I Learned From My MapleStory Level Goal
What did I learn from this other than that I love leveling up in video games and I hyper-focusing on them? Plenty of things, actually. Some of these lessons I am probably attributing to hindsight. But I still feel they apply and are good things to know.
Here is what I think I learned or noticed about myself on my MapleStory level 200 journey.
- Break a huge goal down into smaller, manageable steps.
- Consistent progress is how hard goals are completed.
- Create a plan and know how you will complete your goal.
- Don’t let mistakes stop you.
- Don’t let the success of others stop you from completing goals at your own pace. Even if they are faster or better than you.
- Don’t let short-term failures stop you.
- Find what works best for you. Not for other people.
- Sometimes things in life will slow you down or even halt progress. You can always get back in when you have the time.
- Track your progress. Create milestones and smaller goals to make while working toward the bigger goal.
- Use guides and resources when you can.
- You are not alone, and others may help you. They may have the same goals as you. You can help each other.