Mastering the Game (Strategies for Personal Triumph)

Benny Wills

Read time: 4 minutes

Life’s a game. Play to win. Be Undeniable.

The beauty of the game of life is that there are many paths to victory. The player who decides to play creates his or her own playbook. Their own set of rules. Their own strategies and tactics. Their own metrics for success. 

In the game of life, you only have one opponent:

YOU.

You are only ever competing against yourself. 

Be inspired by the success of others. Model them. But avoid comparison. And never wish that you were them. Your identity is your most important possession. 

A trap for many is indecision. Breadcrumbs of successful living are everywhere. The challenge is not in finding knowledge. It’s in applying it.

Many think the rules of the game are hidden. But they’re not. They’re very much available. They’re all around you all the time, and no one is stopping you from obtaining them.

Except yourself. Your one true adversary. 

Wisdom is knowledge in motion. Use it wisely.

Theme & Presentation

Your attitude toward the game of life determines the game’s attitude toward you.

Every aspect of your life is a relentless mirror of you as a person. If you have a negative attitude toward people, they will have a negative attitude toward you. And to excel in the game of life, you need people. 

Your attitude toward yourself determines your outcome in the game. 

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can't—you're right.”

- Henry Ford

I was recently accused of being a “pathological optimist.” It was meant as an insult, but I took it as a compliment. But I’m not pathological. I’m resilient. I choose optimism. 

Choosing to be optimistic about life doesn’t mean it’s all sunshine and roses. It doesn’t mean I’m floating on a happy cloud, la-di-da, without a care in the world. Everything in my life is not just fine and dandy. I’m not enjoying every moment of every day. No, I choose to see and find the positive in everything. 

“The world belongs to optimists; the pessimists are only spectators.”

- Francois Guizot

There are millions of reasons to be angry and have a negative attitude toward the world. But there’s one major reason to adopt a positive one. 

This is your only chance at life. Why would you waste it swimming in a sea of negativity? 

Optimism is not ignorance. Being an optimist doesn’t mean you put your head in the sand and pretend like nothing’s wrong. A healthy mindset equips you to handle anything life throws at you.

Like a muscle, your mind needs strength training. Fortification. You need to put in the reps so your mind’s not weak. 

If the theme of your life is one of growth, positivity, and optimism, you will be a force to be reckoned with. And you might even be able to help solve some of the many problems you observe (with terrifying clarity) in the world. 

Pessimism is helpful to no one. (And “realists” are pessimists in disguise.)

You are more helpful to yourself and the world at large when you have an attitude of optimism.

Problems are easier to solve. Obstacles are easier to overcome. Goals are easier to reach.

Life is boring only to boring people. 

Life is miserable only to miserable people. 

Life is triumphant only to triumphant people. 

The Rules

Wisdom echoes throughout time. The same advice repeats over and over again. 

In a previous letter, I identified the game's objective as a life well lived.

In another article, I discussed the scoring system. Achievement in these five areas:

1. Health + Energy
2. Loving relationships
3. Meaningful work
4. Financial freedom
5. Inner peace + Spiritual understanding

Here are the rules of the game. According to the greatest thinkers, philosophers and teachers from throughout the ages. (Loosely categorized)

Health + Energy:

• Prioritize your health
• Master your emotions
• Laugh at the absurdity of all
• Be playful
• Be patient
• Be resilient
• Focus on what you can control
• Be adaptable and flexible
• Savor simple pleasures
• Commit to self-development

Loving Relationships:

• Treat others the way you want to be treated (The Golden Rule)
• Practice empathy
• Lift others up
• Maintain strong relationships
• Share your experience
• Forgive

Meaningful Work:

• Be of service
• Embrace challenges as opportunities
• Focus on solutions over problems
• Focus on process over outcomes
• Focus on impact over income
• Model those you admire
• Trust yourself
• Be authentic
• Behave with virtue

Financial Freedom:

• Plan your tomorrow today
• Think long-term
• Create a clear vision
• Set clear goals
• Take massive action
• Take calculated risks
• Be persistent
• Embrace failure as feedback
• Be generous

Inner Peace + Spiritual Understanding:

• Be the hero in your story (and play your role well)
• Embrace change
• Remember the impermanence of life
• Question everything 
• Don’t blame
• Don’t complain
• Celebrate beauty
• Choose love over fear
• Have faith

Did I miss a few? Probably. But that’s okay. I’m only 40. I still have a lot to learn (and apply).

“Life is just like a game. First you have to learn the rules of the game, and then play it better than anyone else.”

- Albert Einstein

 

Don’t Stop Believing

Dream. Play. Experiment. Create.

Outdo yourself. 

Decide what you want, follow the rules, reap the rewards. 

You can know what it means to have peace of mind. You can experience a calm, cheerful and successful life. 

You can be and have anything you set your entire mind and heart on. 

You can.

Accept or reject. The choice is yours. 

Pass Go

To play a great game you need a great coach.

There are now 3 ways to experience my program, The Self Reliant Way.

Starting next month, I'm offering a 4-week cohort sprint. 

All the need-to-know information is here: bennywills.com/self-reliant-way

If you’re interested, let’s talk.

Book a call with me HERE.

Or message me on Telegram: @BennyWills

Until next time.

Much love,

Benny