I reached level 4. My life is passing me by. What do you think?

Question

I reached Level 4 tonight and I feel good about it but I have been pondering some things. I gave up TV awhile ago and I gained so much more time. Then, I became addicted to Yahoo! Answers and all of my extra time was taken away. Maybe not addiction, but a procrastination tool which kept me away from the important things. Now, I am thinking, I need to take a long break or quit entirely and experience life to the fullest instead of sitting in front of a computer screen answering questions. There is a world outside of the computer screen. People to see, work to be done, goals and dreams to be achieved, books to be written, and empires to build. So, what I am trying to say is, how does somebody get the motivation to continually answer and ask questions on a regular or daily basis and not get burnt out and/or not feel life is passing them by? How does one have the endurance to get to Levels 5,6, and the holy grail of level 7 and continue on with no prize or end in sight?

Answer 1

Wow, that's a tough one. I have to deal with people on a daily basis out in public since I work for a newspaper. I ask them these types of questions all the time. Of course, it's easy down South because people are very open and friendly. I'd be killed in New York or cussed out at the very least.

Oh, and the questions I ask have nothing to do with my job at the moment, usually. Just natural curiousity. I've had some very interesting discussions with people. The job just allows me access to those I wouldn't normally be able to deal with.

Answer 2

I think we're at the beginning of an age where anyone in the world will be able to talk with anyone in the world through the internet. Some people get on here and express problems where they have no where else to turn. And sometimes they receive an outpouring of love and support, not to mention an occasional tidbit of good advice.

We can make each other laugh, help each other deal with situations we've been through, sometimes catch a glimpse of something human transpiring in a totally different culture, and I think it all goes somewhere that's worthwhile.

The points and levels are pretty meaningless, but still there's some kind of feeling of accomplishment involved. Some day we'll look back at these crude beginnings and say, "Wow! Back then we had to type instead of just talking and no one had web cams up and we used to have these silly levels we tried to get to."

Addiction? Yeah, but I think it's good.

Answer 3

Exactly the same is the problem with modern education systems, due to its grades, evaluation etc.... Such evaluations are needed for just classification purpose, like milestones to know where we are, nothing more ! But unlike milestones, the glamour around such gradations tends to make a person to get stuck too badly into it ! The gradations are a CONSEQUENCE of the process , effort , but not the purpose !
And, reaching even level 4 required some past life experience ......in what ever field. So, it would be wise to comeback to answers with even newer experiences as and when leisure permits. Apart from these levels etc, the process of answering affords a silent , subtle introspection of what we have been doing with ourselves all along, and what kind of garbage we have gathered in our heads !
So, just keep going , like the hare and tortoise race, just involved in it out of deep understanding, and the rich experience, sharing ideas, making someone's day, leaving the levels to its own course, seeking joy in the very process itself !

Answer 4

Well, I look at it this way, we all have questions that need answering, and we all have answers to some questions. So I think if it brings you any pleasure at all helping people find answers, then continue. If it's no longer 'fun' then take a break from it. That's what I do, answer a few questions from time to time and take a break and come back a few weeks later.

Each day of our life brings new experiences and knowledge, so tomorrow you may have an answer to a question yet to be asked.

Answer 5

When I read your Question and description I actually laughed out loud.
Do you have any Idea how many times I thought the exact same thing on my way to level 2 ,then 3 and now I,m almost at 4.
My children laugh at me and I just keep coming back to this site like I,m compelled or something. Like now I should be asleep, but no I,m typing away like a fool, But at least this time I,m actually laughing as I do it.
Well I,m not going to do any work,or building or reading or book writing tonight but I am going to sleep. Thanks for the chuckle. I needed a reality check !

Answer 6

To what end? That seems to be your question.

I find that when I play on Y! Answers, I end up answering the same types of questions, and I learn loads about myself. It's interesting to see how I respond to each answer on different days.

And sometimes, feeling like I've helped someone by answering a question hits the spot. Sometimes, it's nice to give out my two cents. But that's pretty much my limit. If I keep giving out two cents, someday it will add up.

It's a thankless job. Sometimes, it's fun. But that's all I can ever commit to this place: a few random visits.

But you know, if it gets you off myspace, I definitely recommend it as an alternative.

Answer 7

The natural instinct to challenge yourself. Our brain is still yet undetermined regarding the kinetics, impulses, electricity and should be considered the most delicate part of our physical being. Maybe some have the impulse to BE challenged.
The endurance appears as an engagement in activity... drawn-into the "sport" of "answering!"

I totally agree... there are no Gold, Silver or Bronze medals.
I guess it mixes-down to being self-gratifying and/or self-satisfying for being correct. And if not correct, have the demeanor to be flexible with correction to gain knowledge through the process... "The Process of Answer".

Answer 8

I hear ya. And level 5 is a long way off. I have been at level 4 for what seems to be a long time. The distance between levels 4 and 5 have caused me to be more selective in what I answer and put more into those that I do choose to answer. 'Going for the ten points more often'. But, it is still fun and somewhat educational.

Good luck and congrats.

Answer 9

That must make me King Arthur.

Kneel and receive the wisdom you seek. After level 5 you will find it easier to make points because you can answer as many questions as you want all day long. Before you know it you can pull down two or three thousan points a week especially if you start getting best answer points. Next thing you know they are telling you maybe they ought to start a level eight. Enjoy your journey.

Answer 10

Well, I see it as a window to the world. It may feel like we are wasting our time... when we should be washing dishes, or catching another hour or two of sleep... or whatever your more important things are.

But truthfully, don't you think this is a much better use of time than sitting in a chair watching television all night?
At least we are helping people-- or gaining information--
or acquiring an insight about what's going on in the world. That's important!!

I♥♫→mia☼☺†