Do you play not to lose?
Do you play to win?
I look into the review mirror of my past to tally the wins and losses of some of the biggest life games I’ve played.
Most losses were result of playing not to lose. Anticipating opponents’ every move, instead of devising winning strategies of my own. Being rigid. Playing by perceived rules instead of changing the game to suit the situation on hand. Not developing weak muscles and skipping out on training sessions. Pretending. Keeping my eyes closed instead of watching the ball. Not passing. Not engaging members of my team. Not communicating. Doing without thinking. Thinking without doing. Just holding on, running back and forth, trying to keep the enemy at bay. Until I eventually grow tired, make a mistake, and the ball is taken away. The game ends. And I lose. Every single time.
I then took stock of my wins. I didn’t hold back. Setting high standards and saying no to things and people that failed to deliver. Asking for what I want without expectation. Waiting for honest answers. 9 out of 10, I got what I asked for, and then some more. I created winning teams to collectively execute against the goals we set for ourselves. I trained hard. I showed up. I compensated my weaknesses by using stronger members of the team. I played offense. To win the game, I had to kick the very thing I’ve been holding on to, at the risk of losing it all.
To let go is to open ourselves up to world’s infinite possibilities.
To play to win, we must let go of our inhibition. Take risky but calculated shots. Pay with blood, sweat, and tears. Develop, strengthen and cultivate muscles to score the necessary goals. Discounting luck, every point you get is as a result of the premium you paid to be the best at your game. Everyone must pay the price. I prefer to pay now. Later incurs interest and penalties. No thanks.
To win is knowing when to hold on and when to let go.
To lose is to hold on and never letting go.