Cam Adair is making small changes over time with his support community, Game Quitters for people with video game addiction.
What’s your story?
By the age of 21 I had been addicted to playing video games for over ten years. This addiction affected many areas of my life, including influencing my decision to drop out of high school not once but twice. I never graduated, never went to college and struggled with depression, until I came to a point where I wrote a suicide note. That night inspired me to make dramatic changes in my life which have led me to where I am today: Founding Game Quitters, the world’s largest support community for people with a video game addiction.
What excites you most about your industry?
I love being able to help people. I get to do that all day long and be paid for it, so that’s pretty awesome. But it’s not just helping people I love, it’s being able to completely redefine the way we approach mental health and addiction in general that excites me as well. Being able to show that we can “rebrand” mental health and addiction from being bland, boring and sterile to being fun, cool and accessible.
What’s your connection to Asia?
Last year I travelled to Bali, Singapore and Thailand on a three month trip to work on building Game Quitters and I loved it. The people I met in these countries I will never forget. Game Quitters also currently has members in 46 countries including Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Japan and Indonesia and I love being able to interact and help members in Asian countries every day.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
I love Bali because it’s a great place to focus on building your business. The energy in Bali is something I have never experienced before. I also appreciate all the amazing coffee shops, restaurants and coworking spaces to easily get work done while I travel, which is what I love to do!
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Kaizen – continuous improvement; change for the better.
Who inspires you?
There are so many but Elon Musk is one. I watched an interview with him once where the moderator asked him why he’s building companies in solar energy, electric vehicles and space. He simply replied: “It’s too important for our world and nobody else seemed to be doing it, so I guess I’ll do it.” That really stuck with me because in video game addiction I felt similar. It’s too important for our world yet nobody else was doing it, so fine, I’ll do it.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
That your ability to trust others has more to do with your ability to trust yourself to be ok regardless of the outcome of any relationship. So often when we think of trusting someone else we list off the reasons why they are or are not trustworthy. But that makes us dependent on them and causes anxiety. Instead, trust yourself to know that regardless of the outcome, you will be fine and that will make it much easier to trust others.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Everything in my life has brought me to where I am today and I really like where I am today so I’m unable to regret or wish things were different. If there was a lesson I could pass on to those who are younger, I would say, “start focusing on developing positive habits now, because over time they compound into incredible results”.
How do you unwind?
I love to DJ or go surfing. Sometimes I watch Casey Neistat videos on YouTube.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Bali. The energy of the people is so relaxing and it’s very affordable to pay for a massage every day. Combine that with the ability to go surfing and you’ve got me!
Everyone in business should read this book:
The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson. Small changes compound over time into big results. If you apply this to business you can trust that over time things will work out instead of needing to change them overnight.
Shameless plug for your business:
If you or someone you know is struggling with a video game addiction, Game Quitters is there to help. Although Game Quitters focuses on video games, to me it’s really about living a meaningful and fulfilling life. If I can help you do that in any way, please reach out! I love speaking at universities and conferences to help people use the adversity they face as growth for growth, connection and purpose.
How can people connect with you?
I reply to every email and message I receive so I’d love to hear from you! Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, FB, Snapchat, I’m on all of them!
Twitter handle?
@camerondare
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This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:
Callum Laing invests and buys small businesses in a range of industries around Asia. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is the founder & owner of Fitness-Buffet a company delivering employee wellness solutions in 12 countries. He is a Director of, amongst others, Key Person of Influence. A 40 week training program for business owners and executives.
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