Transform Your Approach and Turn Gaming Into a Gratifying Daily Habit

Do you often find yourself wishing you had more time to play board games, but your busy schedule seems to get in the way? We've heard this sentiment repeatedly during our demos and presentations. The good news is that you don't need more time to play games; you simply need the right approach to turn gaming into a fulfilling daily habit. 🕒

🧘‍♂️ Jay Shetty, author of "Think Like a Monk," wisely said, "To have enough time, you need to move with intention and do the things completely." To play games regularly, it's essential to make playing games a habit that aligns with your daily intentions and fits seamlessly into your life.

📚 In James Clear's insightful book "Atomic Habits," he explains that the first step in habit formation is to make it obvious. Clear states, "The process of building a habit can be divided into four simple steps: cue, craving, response, and reward. The first step, cue, is about making the habit obvious."

Let's dive into 3 effective strategies to make playing games an obvious and enjoyable part of your daily routine:

1. Create a dedicated gaming space: Choose a visible and accessible spot in your home for playing board games. This designated area will act as a constant reminder and cue to engage in your new habit. Ensure your favorite games are easily accessible, so you're always ready to play when inspiration strikes.
   📌  Consider replacing the remote control in your living room with a small stack of dice or board games. You may find that you reach for the remote less often if you have to search for it in another room. Instead, you'll be more inclined to play the games that are now within easy reach, helping you incorporate more gaming into your daily life.

2. Establish consistent gaming sessions: Set aside specific times each day or week for playing games. Treat these gaming sessions like any important appointment or meeting. By scheduling regular sessions, you'll create a routine that makes playing games an anticipated and integral part of your life.
   📌  Begin with a manageable commitment. Set aside 30 minutes every Friday at 5 pm, when everyone is back home, to play a game that your family or friends are already familiar with. This will create a sense of anticipation for the end of the workweek and encourage more regular gaming sessions.

3. Merge games with existing habits: Find opportunities to blend board games into your current daily routines. For example, you could play a quick game after dinner or during your morning coffee break. By combining gaming with an already established routine, you'll increase the likelihood of consistently enjoying your favorite games.
   📌 To effortlessly integrate a quick 5-10 minute game into your daily routine, choose one that always feels fresh and unpredictable, like Qwixx or Dobble. The variable and unpredictable rewards offered by these games will keep you coming back for more, making it easier to incorporate gaming into your everyday life.

📣 After implementing these strategies, we invite you to share your experiences and insights with other readers. Together, we can support each other in building lasting habits that bring joy and connection through board gaming.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Align board gaming with your daily intentions and priorities.
• Apply James Clear's habit-forming framework to make playing games an obvious practice.
• Use 3 effective strategies to seamlessly integrate gaming into your daily routine.

🎯 Try This: Set a specific time each day for playing games, and place your favorite board game in a visible location as a cue to begin the habit. Monitor your progress and adjust your approach as needed to make gaming a gratifying daily practice.