I don't play Solitaire, I play FreeCell (Kings Solitaire). An old habit I picked up 20+ years ago and still have. But how bad is it? That depends on your viewpoint. It takes me an average of about 5 minutes per game. So far this year I'm just shy of 1,000 games played.' And the year is only half over! That is around 5,000 minutes spent with no return on investment. Sure, I get the satisfaction of knowing I can win every game, whoopee. I could have posted 1,000 ads or commented on 1,000 forum postings. 5 minutes, that's all it takes to post a free classified ad. For me it's no big loss, for others it could be the difference between success and failure. That's why I gave up one game to write this post. Back to what matters.... game on.
Sometimes you have to take a break. Play a game. Have some fun. You come back more focused and energized and can be more productive.
I actually use FreeCell to test my focus before attempting harder tasks. If my mind is not clear enough to beat FreeCell it's time to re-focus. When I'm on focus things get done right the first try, and faster. But that's just me justifying goofing off.
Proof that I am still addicted! This is from January 1, 2014 - August 23, 2014 That is between 3,333 to 5,555 minutes I could have been producing income. Took the following screenshot today for a friend who's obsessed with 11:11
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Taking time from income-producing activities to indulge other interests every now and then, is actually very healthy behavior. It's important that we cater to the playful, child-like aspect of our personality when the need arises. It's great for maintaining balance, and balance is necessary for keeping our sanity intact. Hermas
Forums are my fun time...that and Dragon City with my kid through FB. Business for me isn't really a chore. My brain is just geared toward that. Thankfully, my husband has the patience of a saint.
You know what's my fun time? 1. Playing with my brother's kids. 2. Watching "American Chopper" on DVD.
Sometimes it's good to get side-tracked and just sit back and relax. I always feel bad after spending my time watching TV Series or Anime but everyone needs to chill-out every now and then
In my defense, I do spend more time reading this forum than playing Freecell. Started playing back in the days when back-ups and file transfers took hours. My job was to click buttons and wait, wait, wait, at 14.4 kb/s. Now it's all done in seconds and I have plenty of time to play! Still, it could be time better spent posting - or hiking. 1,444 games so far this year if anyone's counting. (and that's just on one of 3 computers I use) Only 1/10 as many post or hikes this year. So it looks like 90% games, 10% "work".
It is good to chill out once in awhile. That way, you feel more refreshed when you get back to work and you can get more done.
A snapshot on New Year's day before I reset the FreeCell count to zero. 1848 games at ~5 minutes each = 9,240 minutes, or 154 hours/year That's about 3 hours a week spent being non-productive. Hmm, most people watch more TV than that. Time is money so they say.
Update, still averaging 5 games a day even though I've been hiking everyday. BUT, a major breakthrough in understanding WHY I like to play FreeCell. Simply put, there is a solution to every game. The trick is not jumping to conclusions. There are many possible moves but some lead to roadblocks. Knowing the right move involves thinking ahead a few moves. For me it is a test of how forward thinking I am that day. Just another justification for avoiding what needs to be done. Still, a lesson in how to get it done by foreseeing roadblocks. I can try 3 times or do it right the first time, my choice. Just like everything else in life. Look before you leap!
Interesting, Whatever floats your boat is what I believe, so if games are a help to you, go for it. In my spare time, I visit forums, for this is my down time, or game time, helping others is my best past time, and as we all know, the more we help others, the more we will learn about how to build a business, so the more we learn, the more we earn, so I guess that is my game. I can't even remember playing a game online, other than my first computer which came loaded with solitaire and I tried it just to see if it was the same as playing with real cards. lol Back in the day when I was promoting online gambling, now that was fun as I would earn my bankroll and I did enjoy playing poker online, but then gov. stepped in and killed industry, again, live and learn. lol Success to all,
Actually, guilt is the worst thing that can happen in this case. If you notice you're procrastinating, take some time for yourself or take a break from work. It's much better when you realize you need a break and recharge your batteries guilt free, than to keep fooling yourself you're doing something when in reality you're scrolling through Facebook or watching a random Youtube video.
