March 6, 2008Play to Learn, But Wrestle to Win.
From Gus - The Possibility Hunter
My mate Paul is smarter and more talented that I am. We are equally competitive. Paul has proven to be superior to me at chess, squash, golf, overly complex card-games, Snap, football variations, extreme sports, namby-pamby sports, Tic-Tac-Toe, any form of academic pursuit… the list goes on and on. The only advantage I have is I’m a foot taller and 50 pounds heavier.
My size advantage is a mixed blessing. I can take only so many cans of ‘whoop-ass’ being served up to me before I feel like sitting on him. However, that would be infantile and humiliating for both of us.
I’m glad to say I’ve only been forced to do it a handful of times.
Steve Pavlina has similar losing experiences, but obviously a more healthy point-of-view.
To over-simplify: Defeat = learning opportunity = improvement = advantage to you.
When you play, you’re ‘Playing to learn’.
Suddenly ‘whoop ass’ has nutritional content. It’s a great way to approach certain defeat, and consolation for those unexpected trouncings.
So, Paul, now you can name your game, safe in the knowledge it won’t end with my rump parked on your chest. Unless you choose wrestling.
And happy losing (and learning) to the rest of you.
