Why we like playing games

We love games! Games are fun to play. Games keep us engaged in life. When a game ends, there is a new one to play. Being in and playing the game is often more fun than just being a spectator.

Yes, we use the language of “games” in Success Circles. If “game’ doesn’t work for you, consider replacing it with “dance.”

Most games begin with a “huddle” where you review the highs, the lows and the lessons from the previous game (or dance). You always have an opportunity to make the day 1% better than the one before if you are committed to excellence.

Here are some rules to help you win.

Consider that each day is a game

Each day you get to give it your all when you see it as a fun game. When the day ends and you meet your pillow, the game ends. Don’t get too attached if things didn’t go as well as they could have, since a new game will be beginning soon.

Visualize the game

As you lay in bed to sleep or when you wake up, prime your mind by visualizing the next winning game. Visualization is the process of creating a mental image or intention of what you want to happen or feel in reality. Most great athletes are able to visualize themselves making the play and scoring. Also note any potential obstacles that come up and see yourself being resourceful.

Keep the game in front of you.

In sight = In mind = In action. Simplicity rules. Keep your top task or at most the top 3 tasks in front of you. Complexity creates overwhelm.

Shifting energy gives you access to play better

Just like any game, we find better ways to shift our energy as we are moving the ball (our dreams) across the field. Shifting energy may involve taking a pause from our day and getting outside to be in nature for a few minutes. It could also mean getting a quick sweat workout or counting our blessings by focusing on gratitude.

I often refer to members of our community as peak performance athletes. By stepping into the frame of being an athlete, we realize that by mastering the art of managing our energy, we are able to bend time to get more done and often with greater fulfillment.

Have a scoreboard

Most games have a scoreboard. Keep a scoreboard in front of you and make it fun. This could be a notebook with stickers or a whiteboard with different colored markers. Remember Pearson’s Law. “That which is measured consistently, grows exponentially.”

Celebrate your wins (no matter how small you think they are)

Practice reflection throughout the game. Track both your wins and losses. Capture valuable lessons along the way. Reviewing your day this way combined with getting in dialogue with a peer, prevents those deja-vu days. Meaningful progress leads to greater levels of fulfillment.

Build Momentum

Your habits and routines, reflection, and scoreboard will keep you in the game! And once you’ve built momentum, just keep it going.

Take a rest

After a few days of playing, take a rest. Maximum engagement demands maximum relaxation. Over the years, we have noted that some of the best performers in our community either honor the Shabbat or take Sunday off. They completely disconnect from work and tech to be with their families or in nature. When they come back to the the game, they are refreshed and rejuvenated.

There’s no better time than right now to play.

Dare to Play a Bigger Game!

~Joseph