Why I deleted my iPhone games to focus on ‘For Men To Talk’

By ‘For Men To Talk’ founder Luke Newman.

I recently made a big decision: I deleted all the games from my iPhone. It might not sound like much, but for me, it was a real turning point. Games had become a way for me to unwind, but they also became a distraction. I would tell myself I was just taking a quick break, but those minutes would quickly turn into hours.

The truth is, I realised that playing games was holding me back from my bigger goal—making ‘For Men To Talk’ a success and turning it into my full-time job.

‘For Men To Talk’ isn’t just a project for me; it’s my passion. It’s a men’s peer support group that offers a safe space for men dealing with anxiety, depression, and grief. Over the past five years, we’ve organised physical meetings, walking sessions, virtual meetups, and even fishing trips. We’ve reached towns across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, and Hampshire.

We’ve achieved so much, but there’s so much more to do. I want to expand, reach more men, and create new opportunities for support. But to do that, I need to give it my full attention. That’s hard to do when you’re stuck in a game.

At first, I felt guilty. I thought, “Why can’t I just manage my time better?” But the truth is, we only have so many hours in a day. We have to choose what matters most. For me, that’s helping men who feel isolated, overwhelmed, or like they have nowhere to turn.

It wasn’t an easy habit to break. Games had become a comfort zone—a place where I didn’t have to think about work or responsibilities. But when I hit delete, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. It was like I was finally giving myself permission to fully commit to what matters most.

Now, instead of playing games, I can spend my time planning meetings, reaching out to potential supporters, and thinking about new ways to grow ‘For Men To Talk.’ Each step forward feels like proof that I made the right choice.

What I’ve learned from this experience is that sometimes, we have to let go of things we enjoy to focus on what truly matters. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. When we make space for our goals and passions, we can achieve more than we ever thought possible.

If you’re reading this and feel stuck, I encourage you to think about what’s holding you back. Is there something in your life that’s taking up time without giving much back? Maybe it’s worth letting go.

For me, deleting my games wasn’t just about saving time—it was about prioritising the mission of ‘For Men To Talk.’ The work we do changes lives, and I want to give it everything I’ve got.

Sometimes, a small decision can make a big difference. For me, hitting that delete button was one of those moments.

If you’d like to learn more about ‘For Men To Talk’ or join one of our meetings, visit www.formentotalk.co.uk or contact me directly at 07709446480 or luke@formentotalk.co.uk. We’re here to listen, support, and grow—together.