Time Well Spent: The Best Advice I Ever Received

The Narrative

During one lunch break in high school, I was eating with a friend. Since school had become much more challenging than before, I started to question my own time use and what would be the best for my future. 

I used to spend nearly all my free time playing video games, other than going to school, studying, or hanging out with friends. I constantly doubted whether I should be doing something else and began to feel like I was wasting my time instead of doing something truly productive.

I guess an argument can be made that the other hobbies aren’t necessarily any better. Playing sports or an instrument doesn’t create value for the greater good of humanity, they’re simply ways to spend time. That’s a rather blunt way to put it, and of course, it depends on context. I guess the difference lies in the potential negative traits or habits that gaming can cultivate. Perhaps the most obvious drawback is addiction. Of course, one can become addicted to sports as well, but engaging in physical activity is generally healthier than sitting still all day. 

Another major thing that was bothering me was the stereotype attached to playing video games. Gamers are often seen as antisocial and lazy. That is why I felt like I needed to do something else. I didn’t want to be perceived as these negative things by others, so I always felt guilty for playing videogames. 

A Change in Perspective

During that lunch break, I voiced these concerns to my friend. Although he was also interested in gaming, he played sports as well, which set him apart from me. He made an important point: If I truly enjoyed what I was doing, then instead of time wasted it was actually time well spent. 

These words stuck with me, sparking a slow but steady shift in my perspective. I began to understand that the value of any activity isn’t solely determined by external standards or societal expectations, it’s about the fulfillment and growth it brings to me personally.

This realization made me accept a part of me that I was resentful of. Now I can be disliked by some, but I’m still happier this way. I discovered that my self-worth was not defined by the stereotypes or judgments of others, but by my own experiences and passions. 

 

Reflection on My English Learning Goals

When it comes to my English learning goals, I would say I have made some progress, but it will take some time to clearly improve my communication. Just writing this post was a good challenge. It took a good number of attempts, but I would say I’m satisfied with the end result. Next, I should also practice my spoken communication, since when speaking I won’t have as much time to think about what I’m saying compared to writing a text like this.