I came across a sticky note that I wrote a year ago.
On this note, I detailed two categories of goals: offensive and defensive.
Under defensive, I wrote down tasks that I postponed in the past to be completed at a later date. I also wrote down tasks that would make my life better without too much work.
These defensive tasks were taking the approach of “playing not to lose” in the game of life. It was a perspective most often sought by the risk-averse. Examples include saving money for a rainy day, downsizing, and living slow.
On the other side of the coin are offensive goals. The goals I wrote down here include pursuing goals such as starting a business, buying a house, and traveling the world. As common as these goals may be, they take the approach of “playing to win” in the game of life.
Pursuing offensive and defensive goals are beneficial to us and to those around us.
Playing not to lose is simply wanting to obtain your goals while going through life unscathed. It is the path that is most trodden. Don’t believe me? When was the last time someone you know quit their job to start a business? Better yet, would you quit your job to start a business? We all start at the “play not to lose” setting in the game of life.
Taking a reserved approach to life has many benefits. One does not “rock the boat” and in doing so does not encounter unnecessary suffering. This approach is actually quite logical and should be embraced. Besides, who wants to suffer needlessly anymore than they already are?
But, this is an unfortunate stance to take in life. We all have one life. This life ends as quickly as it began. Laying on your death bed, would you be satisfied with always taking the safe path?
Playing to win is simply wanting to get the most out of life by inviting unnecessary suffering into it. This path is the least trodden as it is reserved for those who strive to experience all life has to offer. This mindset includes high-risk endeavors and the thrill-seekers that come with them. These include skydiving (note that skydiving in itself is not a high-risk endeavor as it is quite safe in my opinion. However, I list it here as it is perceived as being a high-risk endeavor), backpacking across Europe, and chasing after excellence in every aspect of life.
This approach does have benefits such as experiencing the extremes of life, becoming more fearless, and “living life to the fullest.” Of course, this approach also has major drawbacks. I will leave it up to your imagination to come up with what these would be.
If you know anything about me, you already know the answer:
Both.
Playing not to lose is setting yourself up for the future. You work one day to not work the next. You continue the daily routines to ensure a stable household for your family. These are good things to strive for – they are honorable.
Playing to win is also setting yourself up for the future. You work 60+ hours a week for a few years to gain enough of a war chest to start your own business. You go skydiving to conquer your fear of heights, strengthening you as a person.
Both games are to be played simultaneously.
You save money every paycheck for a rainy day while also spending money on vacations. You work extremely hard to achieve a lofty goal that once achieved, you take a well-deserved break.
What I do is work on the defensive goals first. This allows me to gather my resources for an offensive strike. Once the defenses are established, the offensive goals are attacked. As my defenses are strong, I do not look back as they have my back. I then go to war with whatever offensive goals are on my list.
This makes me very efficient, effective, and strong.
I’ve played the defensive game for many years – and it has paid off well. I’m excited to go after my offensive goals going into the new year. There is no going back now – only forward.
The new year is coming, what are you going to do about it?