Only In Moderation - Part 2
Moderating the amount of time you spend training for paintball may be the only way to keep yourself from getting burned out, and it will take a skillful balance of school, work, spare time, friend and family, etc. Here are some things I’ll keep in mind for the future.
Leave time open on the weekends to hang out with other friends.
Don’t skip too many family gatherings to play paintball.
Practice occasionally in the off months – this should be a time for rest and relaxation. Practicing every weekend when there is no tournament in the near future can really be a drag, so reserve your most serious practices for the week or two before a tournament.
Get a girlfriend! They’ll quickly eat up your free time and money, and will be a nice distraction from the paintball mindset. And if you already have one, don’t neglect them and spend every weekend at the field – they need just as much love and tender care.
Get a job. It’s hard to play paintball two or more times a month without a firm job, but it can be done; many of my friends already do it. They skip lunches at school. They don’t go to the movies on weekends, and they save money on the little things and the like. I do not suggest making this into a habit though, skip only the bare minimum.
Pick up on another hobby. With the weather getting nice and all, I’ll be out on my lake fishing more. It’s calming, peaceful, and nobody is shooting at you (usually).
Grades slacking? Devote a little more time to studies rather than PBNation on week nights.
Most of all, don’t feel like you have to be the best right away; it just doesn’t work like that. Give it time, and just enjoy the ride as you get better. Utilize every minute at the field learning something new or working on some aspect of your game.
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