Games like GTA and God of War are fascinating because they imitate real life, yet people often play them to escape their own. This brings up a big question: why do we enjoy the organized and challenging parts of a life simulation game more than real life? Even when games feel like hard work, we still chase their goals and achievements. Why is that?
Gamification, which means adding game-like elements to non-game activities, has been shown to keep people engaged and motivated in things like apps and tools. But what if we used this concept in real life?
Life is complicated and challenging, much more so than any game. Games feel easier to handle because they simplify things and give us clear objectives. But life, while unpredictable at times, also follows patterns and routines. This means we can apply some of the same structure we see in games to our own lives.
In many ways, life works like a game. We learn new skills, get better at them, build relationships, and face challenges. We have to manage our time and resources, set priorities, and measure progress. The difference is that life doesn’t come with clear feedback systems like games do. There are no pop-ups or level-up notifications to show us we’re improving. We often don’t give ourselves credit for the progress we’ve made.
Tools like habit trackers, study apps, and focus timers already add some game-like features to life. They reward us with points, streaks, or virtual pets for completing tasks, making us feel accomplished. Some people say we shouldn’t rely on external rewards and should grow through internal motivation, but that’s hard to maintain.
Validation, whether it comes from ourselves or others, is a great motivator. Recognizing our own progress can build confidence and inspire us to keep going.
Looking back at your progress can be incredibly rewarding. It’s not a waste of time to celebrate your achievements, even the small ones.
Growth isn’t just about becoming who you want to be; it’s also about appreciating who you are now and respecting where you started.
Here are some ways to gamify your life and make it more enjoyable:
-
Track Your Skills and Goals: Think of your skills and goals like a “skill tree” in a game. Keep track of what you’ve learned and what you want to improve. Seeing your progress helps you stay motivated.
-
Evaluate Your Time: Look at where you’re wasting time and where you could use it better. This helps you focus on what’s most important.
-
Create Your Character: Build a personal identity you’re proud of. Your clothing, habits, and actions can all work like buffs in a game, boosting your strengths and helping with weaknesses.
-
Reward Yourself: Set goals and give yourself rewards for meeting them. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small.
-
Explore and Try New Things: Step out of your comfort zone when you can. You might discover new opportunities, skills, or people that change your life.
-
Build Your Team: Surround yourself with supportive friends. Just like in games, you need a strong team to take on big challenges, and they need you too.
-
Enjoy the Journey: Take time to appreciate the world around you and connect with others. Not everything has to be about work or productivity.
Life isn’t a game—you can’t restart or pause it—but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun and rewarding. If something isn’t working for you, find ways to make it better. Remember, you’re the main character in your own story. Embrace it, make it exciting, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride.