Do you believe that life is a game of chess, requiring –
- meticulous planning?
- unwavering control?
- perfect execution?
This is a myth.
This myth thrives because we’re conditioned to believe that in life, every move must be calculated, every outcome foreseen, and every possibility controlled… and only then we can achieve success.
But here’s the kicker –
Life Is Less like Chess… and More like Tetris.
In chess, you meticulously control all your pieces, strategizing several moves ahead. Success often hinges on your ability to foresee various possibilities and anticipate your opponent’s responses, repeating this process to achieve victory.
But life throws random pieces at you, much like Tetris. You can’t anticipate OR control where the pieces fall. Each block’s placement demands swift reactions and adaptability. You must make immediate decisions, adjusting dynamically to navigate the constantly shifting landscape of the game.
I used to obsess over every detail in my presentations, planning meticulously and fretting over unexpected changes.
But one day, during an important presentation, everything went off script— my slides malfunctioned, I forgot a few lines, and I had to improvise on the spot. But, to my surprise, it turned out to be one of the best presentations I’ve ever given.
That experience made me realize the beauty of unpredictability, much like adjusting to the next Tetris piece. Since then, I’ve started enjoying the little imperfections and more free-flowing conversations and have found true progress in doing so.
Life’s unexpected twists can be your greatest advantages if you can –
Fall in Love with CHAOS Instead
- Test the limits of your flexibility. Put yourself in new situations routinely to build more resilience.
- Prioritize progress over perfection. Embrace failures and look at life as a fun little experiment.
- Let go of rigid control. Set clear goals but remain open to how you achieve them. Life not a fixed route but a jungle gym.
- Quit more often. Don’t stick with something just because you started it. Know when to walk away and redirect efforts as often as needed.
Tips for Managers
- Weekly: Ask your employees in what risks they took the past week. Make it a habit to encourage your team to break the monotony of safe, predictable work.
- Monthly: At the end of each month, gather your team and hold ‘What Went Wrong’ Sessions. Brainstorm how to avoid similar issues in the future.
- Annually: Spend time with your team reassessing your business and professional long-term goals. Make sure they fit the current landscape and lead by example when pivoting.
Life is unpredictable, and clinging to the illusion of control will only hold you back.
Embrace the chaos, embrace the Tetris approach:
Welcome what’s thrown at you, adapt, and thrive.
Find your flow, then don’t let go.
