The Grind

I hate grinding in video games. It always makes me feel like I'm stuck. I feel as though this portion of video games should be done away with, as it breaks up the flow of the story that it's trying to tell. Yet, there is an important lesson that we can take away from grinding in video games.

Not all that long ago, I got myself a job. I was happy to finally be able to earn some income again, but I also felt defeated, as I couldn't put all of my energy to doing the things that I love most. It was necessary for me to get a job, as my funds were running low. I wasn't left with much of a choice in the matter. I always feel stuck when I get a new job. I feel like I can't make any progress. I still do my best to work on my passions. Even now as I write, I'm working on something that I love. Part of this is about time management. It still feels like a grind to go to my job, and keep things stable, but at the same time I can feel secure knowing that I have some money coming my way to be able to pay the bills. It's a strange feeling of frustration and safety. I feel frustrated that I have to go to my job day in and day out, but I know that this is all helping me to get to my end goal.

When we hit a choke point in an RPG, we usually have to grind and level up our characters. Even though we want to move forward and save the world, that isn't always an option. It is something that doesn't happen in an instant. The game forces us to grind by presenting us with an area that has enemies that are far beyond our current level. So, we, as the player, have to take our time and level up. We all want to move forward and get on with the story, but it takes work to become a hero. Players are left to complete menial tasks, and run around in circles just to get some experience to level up and become stronger. It is repetitive, it's boring, and it hardly feels like any progress is being made. Yet, the leveling of the characters is constantly improving. The characters are always getting stronger. They might even find some new and better gear to improve their stats.

It always sucks when we get stuck in a video game. It feels even worse when the game designers force players to grind because of a high-level area, but this sort of thing builds up character; not just for their statistics, but also your attachment to them. We spend so much time with these characters, and investing into them that there is a bond that forms between the character and the player. Whenever I play an RPG of any kind, I always have certain party members that I get attached to. Whether it's because of their personality, or how they compliment my squad and we become a more effective unit because of their addition. I always send my favorite party members the best stuff. They are the ones who always get the best gear, weapons, and any other improvement that I can afford them. It's almost as though they are my friends, and I can be generous towards them because I have the means to do so. I feel closer to them because I spend so much time with them, even if it is just running around in circles leveling them up.

This is where I find myself. I am at a choke point. In order for me to progress in this crazy game of life, I have to do some grinding. It's going to suck, a lot, but progress will always be made. I'll be able to put money in the bank. I'll be able to pay bills. I'll even be able to buy some stuff for my other projects to improve the quality of them! And of course I will be able to purchase new video games. There are advantages to grinding, it just feels like nothing is getting done.

Keep your head down, and plow through whatever struggles you are facing. If you feel stuck, keep moving forward, even if it feels like you aren't taking any steps, you are. Work on your passions, always be creating, and keep moving forward.