Jane McGonigalis a game designerbut she isnt exactly working on the next Mario.
But she avoided a downward spiral by setting challenges for herself, essentially turning her recovery into a game.
We spoke with Jane to learn a little more about her work and what games shes playing these days.
Im also an author (Reality is Brokenand my new bookSuperBetter).
I can solve any work problem with a five-mile run.
Im currently on level 678.
Whats your workspace setup like?
I mostly work from home, and (this may sound weird!
), I mostly work from bed, or on the couch with sports on TV in the background.
and Ill yell back, Im in the future!
Whats your best time-saving shortcut or life hack?
At home, I am so relaxed about how I work.
Its kind of neurotic but really effective.
Whats your favorite to-do list manager?
I like to use notebooks.
Ive never thrown out one of these notebooks, and I never will.
And Im constantly surprised and delighted, stumbling onto to-do lists from interesting periods of my life.
It also helps me keep perspective.
Besides your phone and computer, what gadget cant you live without and why?
Does a foam roller count as a gadget?
I ran the marathon a few weeks after I finished the book.
But I find it keeps me balanced.
The harder the work project, the harder the running goal I take on.
The momentum in my training gives me more resilience in my work life.
Do you find yourself always working on something?
I have a really specific hack for this problem, actually.
I am constantly tweeting about projects or types of work I would like to do some day.
Or Ill be watching a reality TV competition and say, This show has great game design!
And I just do this all the time.
You would be surprised how often it works out.
Dont keep your crazy or creative ideas to yourself.
Put them out into the world.
What everyday thing are you better at than everyone else?
We each have to say three things that went great today, even if it was a horrible day.
What do you listen to while you work?
The Tennis Channel or ESPN.
What are you currently reading?
How do you recharge?
Do you ever play console games?
You feel time richer by giving away your time, not by hoarding it for yourself.
The key is to play one that is really challenging for you.
The harder the game for you personally, the more energizing it will be.
Whats your sleep routine like?
Im a new mom with six-month old twin girls.
My sleep routine is HELP I NEED MORE SLEEP.
The earlier Im sitting around in the dark, the earlier I get tired to go to bed.
Fill in the blank: Id love to see _________ answer these same questions.
Whats the best advice youve ever received?
The opposite of play isnt work.
Those wise words were spoken by Brian Sutton-Smith, a noted researcher of play.
or Send thank-you messages to five different people today.
Have someone you want to see featured, or questions you think we should ask?
