Well a rated game is not just for fun (it is for me personally, but I play the bongcloud regularly in rated games, so there).
I think that playing under imperfect conditions will help your game. Many writers who make a living of it force themselves to write. They may use something to help get them in the right frame of mind, but they must learn to build creative flow, rather than let it carry them- or not. Chess, I think, is similar- you need creativity but you can't just sit around and wait for it, whether its deciding on a move or a game, or a tournament.
Unlike other games like solitaire, crossword puzzles, online games, etc., where you may just play a game to pass time, or just for fun....How would you compare those to a rated game of chess, psychologically speaking?
I have discovered that I have to be "Ready" to play a game of chess. I don't want to play a casual game, "just for fun" or to kill time. When I start a game, I take it rather seriously. In fact, I won't play a game if I'm tired, or not feeling up to battle so speak. Is this normal or am I just making excuses not to lose? Maybe chess is making me a lune? lol
So....
How do you compare your own chess psyche as opposed to other games? Do you avoid playing chess when your not up to par or "not feeling it", or do you play casually or just kill time pushing wood in a carefree sort of way?