Ask HN: Internet/Video games ruined my ability to enjoy crafty hobbies. What do?

How can I know if I'm getting bored of an hobby because I genuinely don't like it or because its my inability to deal with instant gratification? I've tried writing (I have an idea for a book that I think its cool) but after writing for more than 15 to 20 minutes, I get bored of it. I like playing guitar, and I have tried creating music, but I get bored of it: I much rather play other people's music. I like to read, but I cannot read longer than 30/40 minutes. I tried drawing, but since I don't know how to draw and I'm following along tutorials, I'm not creating anything of my own so I get bored of it quickly as well.

On the other hand, put me playing rocket league with friends (or even alone), or watching a TV show, or running/biking/soccer, and I can do that just fine without getting bored

How do I change this? Any strategies that I can follow? Or is it just a matter of grinding/pushing through it?

The following was just my experience.

My suggestion is you read about self-efficacy[0] and do small things which lead to bigger success.

The concept of self-efficacy was a huge eye opener for me.

Maybe for you as well.

When you like to write a book try writing one paragraph now. Do things you can do 100% and do it. Daily something. Tomorrow you you maybe read one article about a topic you find interesting. Then you bake something, cook something and join a class with people who also like to draw?

Try to give yourself time and don't try to do things you can't do yet. Focus on progress instead goals and see what happens.

I've built an app with a nocode tool for me in a afternoon exactly for this. Maybe this is helpful for you? focusonprogressnotgoals.250g.dev

You are on hackernews, so i guess you're interested in coding or tech. Write your own app to solve this or just use a nocode tool and click something together in an evening?

[0] https://positivepsychology.com/3-ways-build-self-efficacy/

You will eventually get bored of TV and movies and won't be able to watch a movie all the way through or you will fast forward half of it. Same things with video games. Eventually you will realize that boredom is just mental recognition that the activity, whatever it is, is not leading you towards your goals whether economic, spiritual, mental, etc. You need to figure out what you want in life and do activities that move in that direction.

Just accept that it's brain chemistry, and move on.