Why You Should Take Your Time in World of Warcraft

Summary

In this heartfelt video, the creator shares how World of Warcraft helped them cope with ADHD by slowing down and embracing the journey rather than racing through content. Through personal reflection, they explain how rushing through life and gaming only amplified the chaos in their mind. By taking time to appreciate the small moments—like walking through zones or fishing for no reason—they discovered a sense of peace. The video encourages viewers, especially those with ADHD, to slow down and find joy in the experience, not just the end goal.

Takeaways

• 😀 WoW helped me manage ADHD by offering a distraction that also taught me how to slow down.
• 😀 For years, I rushed through life and games, but I realized that slowing down can lead to a more fulfilling experience.
• 😀 My ADHD symptoms were misunderstood as laziness or a learning disability until I was properly diagnosed later in life.
• 😀 The speed and rush often seen in WoW, such as racing to endgame, can be driven by a need to distract from racing thoughts in the mind.
• 😀 Instead of matching my mind's speed, I learned to slow down and simply enjoy the experience of WoW.
• 😀 I discovered that engaging with WoW without rushing — like walking through zones, reading quest text, or fishing just for fun — led to a quieter, more peaceful mind.
• 😀 The focus on speed and efficiency in gaming (like achieving high IO scores or maximizing gear) can lead to burnout and an eventual lack of enjoyment.
• 😀 Slowing down in WoW helped me appreciate the little things in the game, like the music, the landscape, and the characters.
• 😀 It's important to play WoW or any game in a way that feels right for you, rather than conforming to expectations or the fast-paced trends of the gaming community.
• 😀 By focusing on the journey rather than the destination, I learned that it’s okay to take your time and enjoy the experience at your own pace.
• 😀 I encourage players with ADHD, or anyone feeling overwhelmed by the rush, to try slowing down in the game — it’s possible to find peace and joy in the process itself.

Q & A

What is the main reason the creator started the channel?

The creator started the channel to share their love for World of Warcraft and give back to the community by offering guidance and advice, particularly to players who may not have experienced players around them.

How did the creator realize they had ADHD?

The creator was never diagnosed with ADHD as a child, initially attributing their symptoms to being a normal child with learning disabilities. It wasn't until later in life, through therapy and professional help, that they identified their racing thoughts and attention struggles as signs of ADHD.

What role does World of Warcraft play in the creator's ADHD management?

World of Warcraft helped the creator manage their ADHD symptoms by providing an outlet for stimulation. However, they also realized that they were using the game as a way to escape the chaos in their mind by rushing through activities rather than truly engaging with the game.

What realization did the creator have while playing World of Warcraft's Dragonflight expansion?

In Dragonflight, specifically in the Azure Span zone, the creator had a moment of clarity where they decided to slow down and enjoy the game at a more relaxed pace, rather than rushing through everything. This helped them cope with their ADHD and also allowed them to appreciate the game more deeply.

How does the creator describe their approach to life and gaming before the realization?

Before this realization, the creator describes their approach to life and gaming as rushing through everything, always trying to outrun the chaos in their mind. They were hyper-focused on speeding through tasks, such as leveling up or completing dungeons, without taking the time to truly enjoy the journey.

What change did the creator make in their gaming behavior after the realization?

After the realization, the creator began to slow down and savor the moments in World of Warcraft. They started to enjoy simple activities like walking through zones, fishing for no reason other than enjoyment, and reading quest texts, all of which allowed them to engage with the game in a more mindful and peaceful way.

What does the creator suggest players with ADHD do differently when playing World of Warcraft?

The creator encourages players with ADHD to try slowing down and engaging with the game for the sake of enjoyment rather than rushing for progress. They recommend doing activities like fishing, reading quests, or simply enjoying the scenery instead of racing to the endgame or chasing rewards.

What is the creator's message to players who often rush through games or activities?

The creator invites players to question why they feel the need to rush through games like World of Warcraft. They suggest that instead of focusing on endgame achievements or gear, players should take time to enjoy the journey, appreciating the details and experiences within the game.

How does the creator view the difference between Classic WoW and Retail WoW in terms of pacing?

The creator compares Classic WoW and Retail WoW by highlighting that Classic restricts players' ability to rush through the game (due to slower leveling and travel), while Retail offers more options to speed up progress (like flying and heirloom gear). They question whether players truly want to play at a fast pace or feel pressured to do so because it's the norm.

What is the creator's final message to players, especially those without ADHD?

The creator's final message is to encourage all players, not just those with ADHD, to slow down and appreciate the game at their own pace. Whether it's World of Warcraft or other activities in life, the creator stresses that enjoyment comes from fully experiencing the present moment rather than constantly racing towards the next achievement.