5 Tips for Leveling Up
In the video game world, if you get enough points, you go to another level where you have more skills and strengths and also new challenges. This is sometimes referred to as “leveling up.” That is about all I know about video games. But I have figured out a few things about leveling up outside of video gaming.
Three years ago I quit drinking. I never really claimed myself as an alcoholic but I saw some unhealthy behaviors and patterns in my life around alcohol. I came to the decision to give it up. I had been using alcohol to numb myself to my problems, my stressors, my anxieties. Quitting drinking caused me to face those things and to find more authentic and direct ways of dealing with the uncomfortable parts of my life. Being more direct and authentic was hard but also rewarding. I learned to pay better attention to my energy, my moods, and my feelings. I developed new interests and habits. My son observed these changes and remarked that it wasn’t so much that I became sober as that I had leveled up. I really liked framing my experience that way. I had gained new skills, new strengths, new challenges. I had leveled up.
This last year my role as a parent took on a new level. I became a grandparent. My granddaughter follows me around the kitchen and cries for me to hold her. My son remarked that she seems to like me more than she likes him. I told him, “Welcome to parenting.” So many more responsibilities with fewer rewards. As a grandparent, I have less responsibility but way more experience. This combination gives me an ease with her that makes our relationship flow. Yet it is not all fun and games. I’m also aware that my kids are watching me for clues about how to raise these little ones. Times as families are also active, albeit covert, training sessions. I must provide guidance without judgment. I take this job with my kids as seriously as my role with the grandkids. Being a grandparent is, in fact, a whole new level.
I was laid off from my job during the pandemic. When it was finally offered to me again I realized that I did not want to go back. The time away from my job gave me a chance to realize that it was not a good fit for me. I know I am like so many people rethinking how to make a living. I would love to report exactly how I’ve leveled up. But there is no great career that has taken its place, at least not yet. For now, I’m spending more time reading and writing, helping out with my grandchildren, doing more things like walks and yoga. I am probably on a new level but just have not gotten my bearings yet.
So how do you level up?
Acknowledge what level you are on. Sometimes we don’t know we’ve moved on until we look back. Sometimes we know where we need to go and just need to make the leap.
Find company. There are always others on our level. Look around for those who have already sharpened some of their skills and are stronger than you. Have role models.
Take your time. Everything is new. Explore your surroundings, be an observer of yourself. Take on new challenges one at a time.
Look ahead. You will get tired. New muscles get sore before they get strong. You might catch yourself wanting to go back to your old level. Resist the urge. Keep your resolve focused.
Enjoy yourself. This is your life, not a game. You do not have to be a high scorer. Take in the moments. You’ve got this.
I joined Medium a while back. I dabbled for a minute and was interested but not ready to make a commitment to writing and publishing. Then about a month ago I came back with a hunger to write. I have challenged myself to write daily and to try out a variety of genres. This is one of my first attempts at a self-help article. I am new on this level. Thank you for giving me a read.
