The “Overnight Success” Is Usually 5 Years Old — Keep Building
Let’s be honest — every time we see someone suddenly blow up online, our brains go, “Wow, lucky guy!”
But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find that “overnight success” took about five years of trial, error, and frustration behind the scenes.
I’m not even gonna lie — I’m still in that building stage myself. This isn’t one of those “I made it” speeches. It’s more like, “Yo, I’m still figuring this out, but I’m learning what actually matters.”
The Long Game Isn’t Glamorous
Most people quit because they get bored before they get good. It’s not fun when no one’s watching your content, or when your live-stream only has two viewers — and one of them is your cousin.
But that’s exactly where the real growth hides.
The grind phase teaches you consistency, creativity, and how to keep showing up when the hype dies down.
That’s the part nobody posts on Instagram — the unfiltered side of building something real.
My “Still Building” Era
I’ve started treating every upload, every stream, every post like practice.
Because it is practice. I don’t have a big studio or a budget, but I have time, internet (on a good day), and the will to improve.
And lately, I’ve started seeing the progress — not in views, but in confidence, better jokes, smoother edits, and bolder ideas.
This “overnight success” thing? It’s a five-year recipe. And I’m still preheating the oven.
Keep Showing Up
Here’s the truth: no one’s going to come hand you a shortcut.
You’ve got to build when it’s quiet, grind when it’s boring, and stay focused when it feels slow.
Then one random day, someone will say, “You came out of nowhere!”
And you’ll just laugh — because you know it took years to “come out of nowhere.”
So, keep building. Keep learning. Keep creating.
One day, your “overnight success” story will be five years old too.
3 Mindset Shifts That Got Me from Scrolling to Streaming
(and stopped my thumb from developing its own gym membership)
You ever pick up your phone for “just 5 minutes”… and suddenly it’s 1 a.m., your charger’s hanging by a thread, and TikTok thinks you want to see 40 more videos of people cutting soap?
Yeah — that was me.
I used to scroll like it was a part-time job. My brain was basically a smoothie of memes, dance challenges, and random “top 10 richest anime characters” videos. But then I hit a point where I realized: I’m watching people live their dreams while I’m just double-tapping them.
So, I flipped the script — from scrolling to streaming. Here’s how it happened (with a bit of science to back me up).
1. “I have no control” → “I’m the one holding the phone, duh.”
There’s this study from the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication that says people fall into two groups:
those who think social media controls them, and
those who think they control how they use it.
Guess which group feels better about life?
Yup — the second one.
I used to open apps automatically, like my thumb had its own brain. But when I started seeing social media as my tool, not my boss, things changed.
Now, before I open an app, I ask: “Am I here to learn, laugh, or create?” If the answer’s “just bored,” I hit exit. (Okay, not always, but I try.)
That small mental switch — from “I’m trapped here” to “I’m choosing this” — made a huge difference.
2. “It’s just entertainment” → “It can actually serve me.”
There’s an old media theory called Uses and Gratifications, which basically says: we use media to get something out of it — information, connection, or self-expression.
I stopped seeing content as junk food and started treating it like a buffet.
I began asking:
Can this teach me something for my stream?
Can I remix this idea for my next TikTok?
Can this spark a conversation in my comments?
Once I started consuming with intention, I started creating more.
Even the dumb stuff helped — like when I saw a guy rant about reckless pedestrians, and it reminded me of how we cross roads in Gaborone like we’re in Fast & Furious: Family Edition.
Boom — instant video idea.
Science says every scroll gives you a dopamine hit — the same brain chemical that fires when you eat chips or score a headshot.
Problem is, your brain gets used to it. So you need more scrolls to feel good.
Researchers found that watching full videos — actually engaging — makes you less bored and more satisfied long-term.
So I tested it: I stopped skipping clips halfway.
At first it felt weird. Like eating vegetables. But then… I noticed something.
I started enjoying content more.
I started learning more.
And — plot twist — I started creating better stuff, because my brain wasn’t stuck on a 5-second attention loop anymore.
Why These Shifts Mattered
I stopped feeling guilty every time I opened my phone.
I started making things instead of consuming everything.
I felt more focused, less like a zombie.
In short, I stopped letting the scroll own me — and started owning my screen time.
Want to Try It?
Be the boss of your apps. Before you scroll, ask yourself: what am I here for?
Use “learn, laugh, or create.” If it’s not one of those — close it.
Slow your scroll. Watch a full clip. Your brain will thank you.
Start streaming your world. Doesn’t have to be fancy — just real. Even your everyday thoughts can spark something.
Final Thought:
Scrolling gave me quick laughs.
Streaming gave me stories, community, and purpose.
So if you ever feel stuck watching everyone else live out loud online — remember this:
You’re one mindset shift away from joining them.
Pick up your phone… and press Go Live.
The Laptop Hustle: How to Start Streaming with Zero Budget
Let’s be honest — most of us didn’t start with gaming chairs, ring lights, or dual monitors glowing like spaceship control panels.
Some of us are hustling with borrowed laptops, cracked screens, and Wi-Fi that acts shy whenever we hit “Go Live.”
But here’s the truth: You don’t need money to start streaming.
You need creativity, confidence, and a little chaos energy.
Let me show you how.
1. Your Laptop (or Phone) Is Enough
If you have a laptop that can open YouTube without making airplane noises — you’re already halfway there.
Even if you don’t have a PC, your phone is a powerful little studio.
Download apps like Prism Live Studio, TikTok Live, or Kick Mobile.
These apps handle your camera, mic, and overlays all in one.
Here’s a secret: Viewers don’t care if your setup is fancy.
They care if you’re funny, real, or just someone they can relate to.
So start where you are — use that phone, that old laptop, or even your cousin’s computer when he’s not using it.
2. Turn What You Have Into “Streamer Gear”
Let’s talk gear — or rather, the lack of it.
No tripod? Stack some books.
No mic? Use wired earphones (they actually sound decent).
No lights? Face a window during the day. Natural light = free ring light.
No gaming chair? Sit on your trusted kitchen chair like a warrior.
Streaming is about the personality, not the pixels.
Even if your setup looks like it came straight out of a thrift store — own it.
Make it part of your story. People love underdogs.
3. Free Tools Are Your Best Friends
Here’s the good news: most streaming tools are free.
Prism Live Studio – lets you stream from laptop or phone to multiple platforms.
OBS Studio – the OG of free streaming.
Canva – make your stream overlay or thumbnails for free.
StreamElements or Streamlabs – add alerts, donations, and overlays.
You don’t need to buy fancy overlays or animations — just pick clean, simple templates.
A good layout + your face + your energy = professional enough.
4. Start Small, But Show Up
When I first streamed, I had zero viewers.
Not “two” or “one and my cousin.” Zero.
But I kept showing up — talking like people were watching.
One day, someone dropped in and said, “Bro, this is actually funny.”
That one comment felt like a standing ovation.
Streaming is like planting seeds.
If you show up, water them (your content), and keep going, they’ll grow.
Consistency beats perfect gear — every time.
5. Use Free Promotion (Because Ads Cost Money)
You don’t need to pay for ads to get noticed.
Do this instead:
Post short clips from your streams on TikTok or Instagram Reels.
Share funny moments on WhatsApp groups (the family one counts too).
Join Discord or Facebook groups for gamers — talk, don’t spam.
Comment on other small streamers’ content — they’ll check you out.
If people enjoy your vibe, they’ll follow you.
And those followers will become your first loyal community.
6. Upgrade Slowly (When You Can)
Once you start getting traction, upgrade smartly:
Buy a good USB mic (look for budget ones on Amazon).
Get a ring light or desk lamp.
Invest in better internet before anything else — lag kills vibes.
You don’t have to go broke chasing “streamer setups.”
Even professional streamers started with shaky cams and cheap headsets.
The difference is — they didn’t quit.
Final Thought: It’s Not About Gear, It’s About Grit
Streaming on zero budget is like cooking without fancy ingredients — it’s the seasoning (your personality) that makes it taste good.
So, if all you’ve got is your laptop, a dream, and a stubborn Wi-Fi connection that cuts out mid-sentence — congratulations, you’ve got everything you need.
Don’t wait for perfect.
Start messy.
Stream proudly.
And when you finally blow up, people will look at your old clips and say:
“Damn… they really started with THAT?”
Look, I’m not saying I’ve made it yet—but hey, I’m in the grind right now, figuring it out one stream (and one fail) at a time!
How Gaming Changes Your Brain (And Why Your Mom’s Wrong About It)
If you grew up in Botswana, you’ve probably heard it:
“Stop playing those games, you’ll get dumb!”
Well… surprise! Science says gaming actually improves your brain. While others think you’re wasting time, your brain is running laps, building focus, and sharpening reflexes. Let’s break it down.
1. Gaming Is Brain Gym
When you’re dodging bullets, solving puzzles, or carrying your squad, your brain is fully focused. It releases dopamine—the “feel good” chemical that keeps you alert and motivated.
That’s why you feel amazing after a big win. It’s not addiction—it’s your brain celebrating success. So next time someone says, “You’re wasting time,” just smile and say, “I’m training my focus, chief.”
2. Your Reflexes Go God Mode
Even with Botswana Wi-Fi lag, gamers react faster than most people. Research shows gamers make decisions up to 25% faster without losing accuracy.
Those quick reflexes help in real life too—like when you dodge a goat crossing the road or catch your falling phone. Gamer instincts, my friend.
3. Gaming Teaches Strategy and Problem Solving
Every game—from Fortnite to GTA—forces you to plan, adapt, and stay calm under pressure. That’s training your brain to solve problems smarter and faster.
It’s like mental chess, just with better sound effects.
4. Online Games Build People Skills
Playing with friends online isn’t just fun—it’s teamwork training. You learn to plan together, stay calm, and not rage-quit when someone messes up (okay, maybe a little).
These skills carry into real life. Whether it’s business meetings, school projects, or family debates—you’ve already practiced patience, teamwork, and communication… in Warzone.
Real Talk: The Right Gear Makes the Grind Fun
If you’re serious about gaming or streaming—even with those power-cuts and Wi-Fi boss fights in Gaborone—you need gear that keeps up. I use a headset like the HyperX Cloud II so I can actually hear sneaky footsteps. My Titan Metal LEDkeyboard feels so good, I end up typing blog posts between matches. And for my streams? The FIFINE USB mic kit keeps my voice crisp when I’m rambling about pedestrians, teachers, or why someone named “NoScope_247” keeps wrecking me. Good gear doesn’t make you a pro—but it sure makes the grind more fun.
5. Games Make You Creative
Games like Minecraft, Roblox, and The Sims light up your imagination. You build, design, and experiment—just like an artist or engineer.
Your brain learns how to think outside the box. And when the power cuts mid-match, you’re already planning your next move. Gamer training!
The Final Level
Gaming isn’t just fun—it’s brain fuel. It builds focus, confidence, and creativity.
So next time someone says gaming is a waste of time, just smile and say:
The Brave Survivors of the Kalahari: A Story You’ll Never Forget
The Kalahari isn’t just hot—it’s merciless. The kind of heat that cracks your lips, burns your skin, and swallows the weak whole. But for 14-year-old Kabo and his 12-year-old sister Keletso, it wasn’t the heat that broke their world. It was the hyenas.
That morning began like any other. Their parents—seasoned hunters and desert survivors—had gone out to track food. The sun was barely up when the screams echoed across the dunes. By the time Kabo and Keletso reached the spot, it was too late. Their parents were gone, and the sand was red.
“We have to do something!” Keletso cried, shaking, her small hands clutching her brother’s arm.
Kabo swallowed hard, eyes fixed on the horizon. “We survive,” he said quietly. “That’s what we do.”
And so began their journey—two children, alone in the world’s harshest desert, armed with nothing but the lessons their parents had drilled into them.
Every day was a fight. Scavenging roots when hunger gnawed at their bellies. Collecting dew before the sun burned it away. Building makeshift shelters that barely held back the cold of the Kalahari night. Yet somehow, they pushed forward.
But survival wasn’t their only battle.
Predators stalked them in the dark—hyenas, jackals, and worse, humans. When a group of desert bandits cornered them, Kabo clutched a stick like it was a sword, ready to die before giving up their last bit of food.
Keletso, ever the quick thinker, whispered, “Let me distract them.”
And she did. Her fearless act gave Kabo just enough time to snatch their food and escape—but at a cost neither of them could have imagined.
For days after, Keletso fell silent. Her usual spark dimmed. Something about that night haunted her… something she never told her brother.
Weeks later, half-starved and delirious, the siblings stumbled into a hidden village deep within the dunes—a place few travelers ever found. The villagers took them in, fed them, and gave them a second chance at life. For the first time, Kabo felt peace.
But peace has its price.
Years later, when Kabo had grown into a strong young man and married Letlhogonolo—the beautiful daughter of the village chief—he discovered a secret buried in the sands of the Kalahari. A secret that could destroy the life he had built… and reveal the real reason their parents died.
Keletso knew the truth all along. But how long could she keep it from him?
The desert wasn’t done with them yet.
Want to know what really happened that night—and what Keletso’s secret could cost them both?
Find out in The Brave Survivors of the Kalahari — now available on Amazon Kindle
Here’s something I just found out recently: The Coffee Spill Philosophy
The other morning, I was rushing out the door when it happened—juice, everywhere(Well its called Coffee spill philosophy but for me it was Juice).. All over my T-shirt. Right before I had to leave.
For a second, I froze. My brain went straight into drama mode: Well, that’s it. The whole day is ruined. I can’t show up looking like I wrestled a juice box and lost.
I started to get frustrated, but then I caught myself. What was I really upset about? A stain? A five-minute delay? I laughed, grabbed another T-shirt, and headed out. No one noticed I was late. No one cared what I was wearing. The world kept turning.
And that’s when it clicked: this wasn’t about juice. It was about how we handle the little things.
So many times in life, we blow small problems way out of proportion. We miss the taxi, drop our phone, forget to buy milk, or send a text with a typo—and suddenly it feels like everything is falling apart. But when you look back later, those “disasters” barely register. They’re just tiny hiccups in an otherwise normal day.
The truth is, life is full of spills. You can’t stop them. But you can decide how much power they get over your mood. Instead of letting a small mess take over your whole day, you can laugh, clean it up, and move on.
It’s simple, really: don’t give small problems more weight than they deserve. Most of the time, it’s just juice on a T-shirt.
And if it’s just juice on a T-shirt, it’s not worth your peace of mind.
You know those moments when you think you’ve finally figured everything out, only to be hit with reality a second later? That’s been me these past few weeks with my streaming setup. Let me tell you the story—feels like catching up with an old friend anyway.
The CPU That Wouldn’t Work
So, remember how I saved up from Uber driving, bought my GPU (RX 5700) , upgraded my desk , swapped to a bigger case for better airflow , and even got Starlink internet? Yeah, the setup was finally looking like a dream. The last thing on my list was the CPU.
I thought, perfect, I’ll swap my Ryzen 7 1700X for a Ryzen 5 5500. Simple, right? Wrong.
I updated the BIOS, tried again and again, swapped things around, and every single time: black screen. The 1700X booted fine, but the 5500? Nothing. After too many failed attempts, I had to face it—the upgrade wasn’t happening.
The Delusional Stream Test
At that point, I thought: Fine. Maybe I don’t even need to upgrade. Maybe my old CPU can handle streaming just fine.
So, in true “let’s prove myself right” fashion, I fired up OBS Studio and tried multi-streaming on Twitch and Kick (check the stream recording on kick titled "Fortnite x Anime Vibes – 2HR Guess-The-Anime Stream!").
Oh boy… what a mistake.
The render was all over the place, frames were dropping like crazy, and the gameplay looked like it had been dragged through the mud. I lowered the quality, switched from DirectX 12 to DirectX 11, and things seemed a little smoother—but still not up to the standard I wanted.
Look, I’ll admit it: I’m not the best gamer, and I’m not exactly a natural streamer either. I get camera shy, I stumble over words—but still, that stream? Even for me, it was rough.
Back to the Drawing Board
So here I am again, back at square one. After a lot of thinking (and maybe a little sulking), I’ve decided the next step is getting a Ryzen 7 2700 CPU. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking—it’s old. But here’s the truth: it fits my budget right now, and it’s the piece I need to finally make this setup whole.
This CPU upgrade should be the last piece of the puzzle. Once it’s in place, I can finally stream the way I’ve been planning all along.
The Moral of the Story
Here’s what I’ve learned through all of this: sometimes things don’t go the way you expect. You can plan, save, and work toward something, and it still might not work out. But that doesn’t mean you failed. It just means you adjust, re-plan, and keep going.
Dreams aren’t always built in straight lines—they’re built in reroutes, retries, and sometimes in buying a “dated” processor because that’s what your budget allows.
And that’s okay. Because progress, no matter how slow or imperfect, is still progress.
If you’ve ever had to put your passion on hold because of money, you’ll understand where I’m coming from. For me, that passion is streaming. I love gaming, I love creating, and I love connecting with people online—but without the right gear and internet, it just wasn’t possible.
For the past few months, I haven’t been streaming. Not because I lost interest, but because my old setup couldn’t keep up. I decided instead of forcing it, I’d do it the right way: make a plan, set a budget, and upgrade piece by piece.
The best part? I funded it all through Uber driving. Every trip I completed wasn’t just gas money—it was an investment into building my dream PC setup. It took time, but the progress has been worth it.
The First Step: GPU Upgrade (RX 5700)
One of the most important upgrades for gaming and streaming is the graphics card. I picked up the AMD RX 5700 GPU, which gives me enough power for both smooth game play and encoding streams. If you’ve ever struggled with stutters or poor frame rates, you know how big of a difference a good GPU makes.
A Better Desk for a Better Setup
After years of using a cramped space, I finally invested in a proper desk. It might not sound like a big deal, but having enough room for a monitor, keyboard, and mic stand makes everything so much easier. A good desk helps keep the setup clean and organized.Best gaming desk on Amazon
Bigger PC Case = Better Airflow
Next, I changed my old PC case for a bigger one. This might sound like just a cosmetic change, but airflow is super important. A larger case keeps the system cooler, which means longer hardware life and fewer crashes when gaming or streaming. Mid-tower PC case
The Internet Game-Changer: Starlink
Before, I was stuck with a local ISP that promised 6 Mbps—but only delivered that speed if I was lucky. Streaming was frustrating, buffering was constant, and gaming online felt like a gamble.
That all changed when I decided to upgrade to Starlink. I ordered the kit online, expecting it to take at least two weeks to arrive. To my surprise, it showed up in just six days. That fast delivery alone had me smiling—it felt like the upgrade I’d been waiting years for was finally within reach.
Setting it up was straightforward, and once it was running, the difference was night and day. Stable speeds, low latency, and finally the freedom to stream and game without worrying about constant dropouts. It wasn’t just an upgrade—it was a whole new experience.
Honestly, if you’re stuck with slow, unreliable internet like I was, I’d encourage anyone to give Starlink Kita serious look. For me, it turned a dream of returning to streaming into a real possibility.
What’s Left: CPU Upgrade
The last piece of the puzzle is upgrading my processor. Right now, I’m still running a Ryzen 7 1700X, but my goal is to switch to the Ryzen 5 5500 Processorby the end of September 2025. Once that’s done, my setup will be complete, and I’ll be back to streaming regularly.
What We Learned Along the Way
This whole journey isn’t just about tech—it’s about patience, planning, and persistence. I could have gone into debt to buy everything at once, but instead, I saved bit by bit from my Uber earnings. Each upgrade felt like a small win, and over time, those wins started adding up to something bigger.
And then there was Starlink. I ordered it online thinking it would take two weeks to arrive, but it showed up in just six days. That moment reminded me that sometimes, when you’ve done the work and made the plan, good things can come sooner than expected.
The bigger lesson is this:if you save money with a goal and a clear plan, it might take time, but eventually, you’ll get there—and sometimes, the results even surprise you by coming faster.
Whether it’s streaming, building a PC, or chasing any other dream, progress is progress. Every step you take brings you closer to where you want to be.
I’ll be straight with you—I’ve never been a Grand Theft Auto fan. The car-jacking, the crime, the chaos? Not really my type of fun. I usually watch anime or play other games where the vibe feels different.
But then I started seeing GTA 5 clips on TikTok. People were role-playing, creating stories, and living inside the game like it was their own world. That wasn’t what I expected at all. And now with the GTA 6 trailer out, I can’t lie—it looks insane. For the first time ever, I might actually try it.
1. GTA 6 Drops on May 26, 2026
Rockstar has locked in the release date: May 26, 2026. No more waiting on rumors. It’s launching first on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, and from what I’ve seen, it’s already breaking the internet.
If you’re planning to dive in, this might be the perfect time to think about upgrading your setup. Even something as simple as a new controller can make the experience way smoother.
2. A Whole New Vice City
GTA 6 isn’t just recycling old maps. It’s bringing back Vice City but expanding it into a full state called Leonida, inspired by Florida. We’re talking swamps, highways, city streets, beaches—all of it.
There are two main characters this time, Lucia and Jason, who are basically running a crime story together. Even as someone who’s never played GTA before, that kind of open world mixed with story makes it hard not to be curious.
For me, this feels like the kind of game where a good monitor could really change how you experience it. Wide visuals, sharp colors—it’s worth it for a map this big.
3. Midnight Global Launch & Hype
Here’s one thing that makes GTA 6 stand out: it’s launching at midnight local time worldwide. No matter where you live, you’ll be able to play the second the clock hits midnight. That’s a pretty bold move, and it shows how massive this release is going to be.
People are even calling it the first “AAAAA” game (five A’s), saying it’s going to raise the bar for all future titles.
And honestly, looking at the trailer, I might need to seriously upgrade my PC just to keep up. A solid graphics card could be the difference between struggling and actually enjoying everything GTA 6 has to offer.
4. Don’t Get Fooled by Scams
Of course, the hype also means scams are popping up everywhere. Fake “early access” links and downloads are already floating around online. If you’re excited, just be patient and stick to the official Rockstar releases. It’s better than risking your setup with some shady file.
Final Thoughts
I never thought I’d say this, but GTA 6 looks like the kind of game that could finally pull me in. From the upgraded Vice City to the midnight global launch, it feels less like just another GTA and more like a whole event.
So yeah—this noob might finally be stepping into the GTA world.
Part 2: The Night I Almost Gave Up (And How My Son Saved Me Without Even Knowing)
This is the part of my story I never planned on sharing. Honestly, I almost deleted this draft more times than I can count. But if even one person out there is where I was, then you need to read this.
If you read Part 1 of my story, you know how gaming and anime binging carried me through the storm of 2021. I lost my job, bills piled up, and with a baby on the way, rejection after rejection crushed me. Fortnite became my escape. Attack on Titan and One Piece became my fuel. I even leaned on a simple gaming chairand collected small anime figuresas tiny lifelines to keep me moving forward.
But here’s the truth I didn’t tell you in Part 1—something darker. Something that almost ended my story before it could really begin
The Breaking Point
It was one of those nights when the silence felt heavier than the bills stacked on the table. Another “we regret to inform you” email had just lit up my phone. I stared at the screen, then at the dark ceiling above me.
And the thought hit: Maybe my family would be better off without me. Maybe if I unalived myself, they could at least claim something from death funds or pension.
It scared me how logical it sounded in the moment. Like maybe disappearing would be less painful than failing again. But then I heard it.
The Cry That Pulled Me Back
From the crib came the faintest sound—my son, just 2 months old, letting out a tiny cry. I walked over, picked him up, and held him against my chest.
That moment shattered everything.
He was so small, so fragile, and yet in my arms he felt like the strongest anchor in the world. The truth hit me harder than any job rejection ever could: if I gave up, he’d never know me. He’d never laugh with me while we beat pixelated turtles on our retro console. He’d never sit beside me learning Mario’s jumps or Contra’s chaos.
If I left, his story would start with loss. And I couldn’t let that be his first chapter.
The Shift
That night didn’t magically erase the pain. I still drove Uber. I still faced rejection emails. But I kept going—because now it wasn’t just about me. It was about being there for him.
Every time I sat in my gaming chair, controller in hand, I reminded myself: losing isn’t the end. You respawn. You hit continue. You keep playing.
Every time I looked at my little shelf of anime figures, I reminded myself: every hero I admired fell, struggled, but stood back up again. Why should I be any different?
My son gave me the reason. Gaming and anime gave me the tools. Together, they kept me alive.
The Life Lesson
Here’s what I’ve learned: Sometimes we don’t survive for ourselves. Sometimes we survive because someone—maybe a tiny 2-month-old who can’t even say your name yet—needs us to.
So if you’re reading this, and you’re in that dark place thinking you don’t matter, let me be living proof: you do. You matter more than you’ll ever realize.
Because one day, someone—your child, your partner, even a stranger—might need your story to remind them to keep going.
For me, it was my son. He saved me without ever knowing. And now, every time we fire up that retro console, laughing at pixelated chaos, I know for sure: choosing to stay was the best decision I’ll ever make.
Game on, little man. For you, I’ll always hit continue.
I'm Skinnyhatchett, but online, I've got like a million different gamer tags. A few years back, during the whole crazy COVID thing in 2021, my life totally crashed. I lost my job, cash was super tight, and with a baby on the way, every no thanks email from jobs felt like a gut punch.
I'll be real—I thought about just giving up at one point. The feeling of letting my family down and just not being good enough almost did me in. But instead of just giving in, I found a weird way out: gaming and anime.
Fortnite, Escape, and a Whole New World
I totally remember the first night. Bills were stacked on the table, my girl was asleep, and I was just staring into the dark. Out of nowhere, I downloaded Fortnite. What started as just one quick game turned into hours of crazy fun, laughs, and—most of all—a break from all the stress. I wasn't Skinnyhatchett, the jobless soon-to-be dad. I was a player, building stuff, surviving, and laughing with random folks all over.
To make those late-night times a bit easier, I got a gaming chair. Nothing fancy, but sitting there, back comfy, keyboard and mouse, I felt like maybe I could make it through another day.
AnimeNights: Some Hope in Each Show
When I wasn't gaming, I watched anime. Shows like Attack on Titan and One Piece gave me something real life wasn't giving me at the time—hope. Watching characters mess up, fight hard, and get back up was huge for me. If Eren could keep going no matter what, why couldn't I?
I started grabbing little anime figures. Just plastic reminders to be brave and keep going, but when I saw them, they kept me pushing. They were more than just decorations—they were like anchors.
Driving Forward (For Real)
The money issues didn't just vanish. I still got turned down for jobs a ton, so I started driving for Uber. At first, it felt like I was failing—but soon I saw that the drives gave me time to think, to dream a bit. Between rides, I'd put on my headset, play some anime music, and just let it take me away. Little by little, I started to find a middle ground between just getting by and still finding some fun in life.
Being a Dad and Old-School Games
When my son came along, I knew I wanted to give him something good. Not the crummy feeling of being turned down, but the fun of playing and imagining stuff. I got a retro console, loaded with classics like Mario and Contra, and when he was old enough, we sat together laughing at those blocky turtles and crazy jumps.
Those times helped me heal more than any job offer ever could.
But Then Something Clicked…
Gaming and anime didn't just get me through it—they sparked something bigger. Something I never saw coming.
Because one night, while playing more Fortnite and watching more anime, I got an idea.
An idea that could change everything.
👉 And that’s where the real story starts… Stay tuned for Part 2.
Alright, set the scene: my four-year-old’s got that wild-eyed look—like he just found buried treasure—halfway through a round of Super Mario Bros. He turns to me, dead serious, and goes, “Can I have my own Nintendo?” And bam, that’s when I realized I’d created a tiny gamer in my own image. Some parents are out here wringing their hands over screen time. Me? I’m raising a kid who thinks Goombas are public enemy number one.
Retro vs. Fortnite: Are You Kidding Me?
Everywhere I go, kids are glued to Fortnite, screaming into mics and busting out dances I can barely name. Fortnite is like a toddler hopped up on Pixy Stix—loud, messy, and just… too much for a four-year-old. Retro games, though? Man, they’re straightforward. Simple controls, bright colors, and challenges that actually require a little patience. No “build faster!” panic, just classic hop-n-bop fun.
Honestly, I want my son’s first gaming memories to be him giggling at pixelated turtles, not rage-quitting because some sweaty twelve-year-old just sniped him from across the planet.
Retro Games: The Gateway Drug To Good Gaming
Mario, Contra, Duck Hunt—these games are the real deal for beginners. No battle passes, no loot boxes, no “Dad, can I have your credit card?” nonsense. Just start the game and go. My kid has no idea what DLC even is. Let’s keep it that way for as long as humanly possible, please.
Instead of nagging me for V-Bucks, he’s begging to “beat the turtle guy.” That’s a parenting win if I’ve ever seen one.
Co-Op Couch Time: The Real Magic
The best part? He always wants me in the game. He grabs the controller, points at the screen, and says, “Show me how, Dad!” That’s not just parenting gold—that’s platinum. We’re not zoning out on separate screens. We’re battling through castles together, celebrating every ridiculous death, and somehow, in our house, Contra grenades have officially become “spicy meatballs.” (Don’t ask. Kids are weird.)
Forget dropping a small fortune on a PS5 or some RGB monstrosity of a gaming PC. I grabbed one of those random “602 in 1” retro consoles, plugged it in, and boom—instant arcade. Thousands of games, no worries about strangers yelling at my kid online, and zero set-up stress. It’s parenting on easy mode, honestly.
Losing Like a Champ
You know what Fortnite doesn’t teach? Losing gracefully. My kid gets obliterated in Contra every 15 seconds, but instead of flipping out, he just shouts, “Do it again!” and jumps right back in. That’s the sweet spot. He’s not obsessed with winning—he’s here for the laughs, the chaos, and hanging out with me. If that isn’t a life lesson, I don’t know what is.
When I was his age, my dad handed me the controller and let me lose to Bowser a million times. Now it’s my turn to watch my son light up as we play together. Last night, he looked up in the middle of a level and goes, “Dad, I don’t need my own Nintendo. I just wanna play with you.”
Cue me, getting hit with the emotional uppercut. Didn’t see that coming.
The Bottom Line: Mario Wins, Hands Down
So while everyone else is busy flossing and screaming about Fortnite, I’ll be over here, teaching my son the Konami Code and cracking up about spicy meatballs. Gaming isn’t just about screens—it’s about connection. And for my money, retro gaming is where the best memories live.
So picture this: my four-year-old, eyes shimmering with that wild“I’ve discovered fire” look, just hit me with, “Can I get my own Nintendo?”
Honestly, I froze. You know in movies when the hero gets that thousand-yard stare, the orchestra swells, and you can practically see them doing existential math in their head? That was me—stuck mid-game, clutching a controller that’s probably seen more pizza grease than any actual cleaning product.
I mean, on the one hand, this kid just figured out how to jump over a pit in Mario without instantly face-planting. On the other, he now acts like gaming is a constitutional right. I made this monster. I handed him the keys to the Mushroom Kingdom, and now he wants the deed to the castle.
So, naturally, I panicked. Pulled the classic parent stall: “Let’s talk about that later.” Which, let’s be real, is code for “I gotta Google if letting you play Mario at age four will melt your brain.”
But here’s the kicker—he didn’t whine, didn’t flop on the floor, nothing. Just plopped down, grabbed the controller, and goes, “Let’s beat the turtle guy.”
It hit me right then—he wasn’t fiending for screen time. He was hooked on the vibe, the hanging out, the tag-teaming the chaos with me. This was less about pixels, more about partnership.
We dove back in, full turbo. He’d take Mario for a spin through the easy bits, I’d bail him out when things got spicy. We were an absolute unit—father and son, united by questionable plumbing skills and a mutual disregard for Goombas.
Cue plot twist: I fired up Contra. The old-school bullet bonanza that scarred a generation. Handed him the second controller and, in a low-key sacred moment, whispered the Konami Code. “Up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, start. Magic words, buddy. 30 lives. Boom.”
He looked at me like I’d just handed him the keys to the Matrix. And you know what? He held his own. Was he good? Absolutely not. The kid still thinks grenades are “spicy meatballs.” But he didn’t rage, didn’t sulk—just kept grinning, hitting continue, yelling, “Do it again!” after every digital demise.
That’s when it clicked. This wasn’t about the hardware. Or even the games. It was the play. The mayhem. The giggles. The weird, sacred ritual of passing down the controller—just like my dad did for me, letting me lose to Bowser until I could taste defeat in my sleep.
Eventually, we hit pause. He looks up, eyes still on fire, and says, “Dad, I don’t need my own Nintendo.”
I swear, I almost melted right there.
“I just wanna play with you.”
Cue emotional KO. I’m done. Wrecked.
So yeah, teaching a four-year-old to game? Galaxy-brain decision. Zero regrets.
Will I cap his screen time? Duh. Will I lose it if he asks to stream on Twitch? You bet. But right now?
We’re a co-op squad. We’re storming castles. We’ve got lives to burn. Game on, little dude.
Part 1: Press Start to Cry (and Maybe Laugh a Lot)
Alright, so picture this: I’m just chilling, trying to relive my childhood glory days with some classic Contra, and here comes my four-year-old. He’s got those big puppy-dog eyes, probably sticky hands, and that look like he’s about to ask for something.
“Can I try?”
Now, any sensible parent might’ve said, “Sorry, bud, this is one of those hard-as-nails games where even a pixel of a bullet sends you packing. You’re just not ready.” But nope—couldn’t help myself. Handed him the controller like I was passing on the family sword.
Honestly, I was weirdly proud.
Let’s be clear: I wasn’t about to traumatize him with some modern nightmare like Elden Ring. I went with Mario and Contra, thinking “hey, these are old-school, they’ll be a breeze.” Ha! Yeah, no.
Mario? My kid ran straight into the first Goomba. Not once. Not twice. Four times. Like he was on a mission to hug the thing. Contra? Apparently, enemy bullets are collectibles now, because he jumped right into every single one. I’m over here, like, “No, bud, dodge the bullets!” And he’s all, “Why are they shooting me? I didn’t even do anything!” You know what? Fair point, kid. Welcome to the ‘80s, where games don’t care about your feelings—just pure chaos.
Then came the questions. So many questions.
“Why isn’t that guy wearing a shirt?” “Why do mushrooms make you big?” “Can I shoot Luigi?”
(Luigi’s not even here, but sure, dream big, kid.)
Trying to explain “lives” in a video game to a four-year-old? Good luck. He’d lose one and look at me like I’d told him Santa moved to Mars. Then, out of nowhere:
“If Mario can come back, why can’t Grandma?”
Yeah. I almost unplugged everything and told him we were switching to board games forever.
But honestly? Watching him play was hilarious. He’d run, jump way too early, fall in a pit, and still shout, “I ALMOST MADE IT!” with this huge grin. I mean, the confidence is inspiring. Contra turned into a one-kid demolition derby—he mostly blew up himself, but he loved every second. He laughed so hard, I started laughing too. No one was winning, but it didn’t even matter.
We laughed, high-fived, and trash-talked pixel bosses like we were in some buddy cop movie. It was messy, chaotic, and just pure fun.
Then it happened. He hit me with the big one:
“Can I get my own Nintendo?”
So, did I just start him on the path to gaming greatness? Or am I raising a future sleep-deprived little gremlin who’ll call me “noob” before breakfast? Guess we’ll find out. Stick around for part two—screen-time debates, existential questions, and how my four-year-old somehow finished Contra’s first level before I’d even had my coffee. This parenting thing is wild, man.
“Build what you’ll use,” they said. So I did. Now I’m just wondering if I need therapy.”
The Dream
Let’s rewind a sec. You know that classic tech advice:
"Scratch your own itch. Build for yourself."
Honestly, after years of trading Forex, I figured out my real opponent isn’t the market—it’s me. One day I’m cool as ice, next day I’m yelling at my screen because a candle faked me out like a bad prank.
So, I thought, why not whip up something to take the emotions out of it? Just a chill little Expert Advisor (EA) to scan the chart, highlight trends, flag entries, and lay out take profits—like a buddy who never panics.
Sounds simple, right?
---
The Build
I called it ChartAnalyser (hey, at least it’s honest), and my big ideas were:
* Entry alerts, win-rate right there on the chart * Buy/Sell lines so clear even I can’t mess them up * Stop loss and take profit markers * Oh, and reminders for missed trades—because apparently I like to torture myself
I went deep. Days and nights blurred together. At some point, I think I forgot what food was.
After weeks of tinkering, arguing with MT5, and running on pure caffeine—suddenly, it worked.
And… instead of going up, it just dips. And dips. And dips some more.
By the time the third candle dropped, I was sweating bullets. Staring at the screen, trying to Jedi-mind-trick the market. Meanwhile, the bot?
Chill as ever:
“Hold.”
HOLD? Seriously? It’s been 14 hours, I’m 42 pips down, and I’m about ready to throw my laptop out the window.
---
The Comeback
Then—out of nowhere—the market flips. Shoots straight up. Take profit hit. Big green line across my chart like a pat on the back from the universe.
I just leaned back, kind of dazed, but honestly… pretty relieved.
---
The Lesson
Building this thing taught me something I didn’t expect: Turns out, I trust my own panic more than my bot’s logic. Even with solid data, I’m still hovering over the Close button like it’s a game show buzzer.
The EA wasn’t the weak link. I was.
All this fancy tech to kill emotions, and I’m still the emotional one in the room.
---
So, Was It Worth It?
Oh, 100%. Here’s what I got:
✅ Front-row seat to my own impulsiveness ✅ Way more respect for rules-based trading ✅ A working EA—even though my laptop sounds like a blender ✅ Proof that I can build cool stuff, even on sketchy Wi-Fi
---
What I’d Change If I Could
* Add a panic override button (for me, not the bot) * Alerts when drawdown gets wild, just to calm me down * Built-in journaling, because let’s be real, I’ll never do it otherwise * Maybe a feature where the bot ignores me if I try to mess with a trade mid-run
.png)
.png)
.png)
