I Wish I Was in a Video Game

Video games have a nice process for guiding you to what is important. In racing games if you get turned around a big sign will pop up saying "wrong way!". In RPGs messages will pop up saying things like "you found secret item 1 of 100". Adventure games will put the treasure you are looking for on a big podium with lights. Games even change the background music to fit the mood when a big event is about to happen, like a boss fight. All these things cue you in quickly and precisely to important events and things. In many cases it is literally impossible to miss it.

Game objectives are usually crystal clear too. There are notifications, annoying NPCs reminding you, and little maps with arrows telling you where to go and what to do. When you win there are fireworks, cinematic cut scenes, and shiny trophies. It's great.

Life on the other hand... it doesn't do that. Every moment looks the same. There isn't a soundtrack to cue you in when something is going to happen. There aren't trophies or arrows on little maps. It all looks pretty similar. It can be even more confusing because often the big shiny things that you think look important aren't, and the really important things are hiding and don't look glamorous at all.

It's too bad we don't get "great dad" trophies or "romantic evening unlocked" notifications. We have to figure it out ourselves. I think it is good though, because it forces us to put a lot more thought and effort into our lives then we would otherwise. It requires we get more invested.

It might be nice sometimes though... "Unlock two more achievements to get a promotion!"