Tightropes

For many players on RP realms, those who role-play have to “balance” with other game activities like questing, raiding, pvp and other timesinks. Especially when you get toward Instancing levels, it can get to be a challenge to level/progress and Role-play. And don’t forget everyday life! Walking the tightrope between you and your online “life” is a feat of skill and balance as well!

Here’s some questions to ponder:
Are or do you…
feel pressured to do things by other folks constantly?
get swamped or overloaded when you log in?
miss commitments to friends either online and/or in everyday life?
lose out of other fun things that you want to do?
find it difficult to just say “No”?
feel withdrawn to friends and loved ones outside the game?

Here’s some suggestions and commentary regarding those “tightropes”:

Make some ground rules.
A good start is establishing and keeping boundaries or flexible rules for your playstyle while online. If you need to jot them done on an index card or note. Make a to-do or list of goals that you can focus on if you get derailed.

Make a schedule.
Schedule your time, but allow for flex-time to do things like help others, raid that instance or just meet with folks you may have not seen for a while. Guild activities and goals come into play also. Have RP nights, or crafting/farming nights. During in-game events, plan to have some “fun” and do some things out of the normal list. Bring friends if you can – it makes the evening or task much more fun! Note: Keep your eye on everyday life stuff too! Don’t forget that birthday or meeting! ;)

Make adjustments as you go.
Take a look at your current gameplay and tweak it. Something not working? Or having a problem? See what can be done to reschedule or look into.

Have some support.
As much as guild stuff is fun or “hyped” – remember that everyday life takes priority. A good guild and/or friend will or should understand and maybe even support you. Explain to friends or your groups if you need to and make sure all is crystal clear.

Can’t say “No”?
Say “No” (nicely :) ). If it can fit with your schedule, it’s alright. If it’s not or if it’s too late or just not a good night, just be cool and let them know. Perhaps reschedule for a better evening or time. It’s not worth the stress. Most folks will or should understand. Keep in mind you cannot help or please everyone. Just do your best!

Remember what’s important to ((you)).
The major factor is your lifestyle outside of the game. Moderation is essential for this to keep things “healthy”. Train yourself to see these events and issues and try to find a better solution. Keep your everyday life in focus.

Remember that everyday life is priority.
No game is worth your health, job, friends, family or loved ones. QFT. Yes, it can be real easy to get caught up in things when you play. Just don’t let your “escape” turn into a “trap”. *grin*

Follow-through what you start and -stick- with it.
That can of course, be the harder part. :P But don’t give up – you’re not alone!

Hope this helps out there. *grin*