The Game of Life: Who’s keeping score?
How do we keep track of our progress and accomplishments?
We all have different goals and measuring sticks for what constitutes a "successful" life.
Imagine asking someone out of the blue:
- Are you married now?
- How many kids do you have?
- How much have you made now?
If they don’t ignore you or try to help you reframe the question – don’t be surprised if they get mean with you or don't take you seriously.
I kept wondering why she told me she was "taking a break" when she was abroad furthering her studies. I've found out keeping scores for people whether consciously or unconsciously can be embarrassing and even make them get distant from you.
We keep score because it helps us to gauge our progress and understand how well we are doing. It also motivates us to improve our performance.
Grades. High school was such a horrifying moment in my life and existence. Was doing everything to hang out with the cool kids, keep scores with grades and unfortunately we were all feasting on each other’s insecurities.
Who was taller, could interact with more girls, pointed nose, wore fancy wears, spend more money YET make good grades.
Keeping scores can mess with relationships and affects our decisions.
Beyond Scores = making impact
- How many books I’ve read? - How many posts I’ve written?
What I forgot was how much I actually enjoyed the habits that got me the results I was making my identity.
1. Read a ton of books for fun
Literally read anything I could lay my hands on. Reading is by far one life hack to get ahead of the game anywhere you find yourself.
2. Enjoyed learning,
If you make learning a priority and give it enough effort and time – you find how you get to enjoy learning as a process without so much emphasis on what you could do with it.
Think of any major Science or specifically Maths tutors you know – how much of what they know are they practically applying in real life?
But learning new ways of solving problems is part of their joy and career.
3. - Taught others
When my Dad was running a computer school – I was always volunteering even as a kid to teach adults the basic computer programs.
I’ve always been a fan of teaching others. Never related it to anything pride. Mostly because of how i got interested in learning things myself.
My Elder brother then was naturally good at grasping things and he was the only one that was patient enough had the best practical examples to teach me amongst other siblings.
Once I tapped from him – I looked for other people I could impact on.
4. Gained confidence from knowledge
When I totally struggled with learning – my confidence was in shambles. As i always felt embarrassed when people ask me questions like “Look at them – do they have two heads?”
Whenever you find someone who knows their stuff – you find how their energy and level of confidence is attractive.
5. The Wholistic aspect of my life
Whatever you make your sole identity may turn out a recipe for unhappiness and bondage if you’re not careful.
If you only see yourself as a “good entrepreneur” and ignore your family, relationships or even faith – you might end up with a broken home and probably depressing life.
6. You Only Live Once:
What do you want your legacy to be?
Think about what you want people to remember about you after you're gone.
What kind of impact do you want to leave on the world?
Are there any specific things you want to accomplish
7. SUMMARY
Scoring often dictates the choices we make in life. It can lead us to make rash decisions or ones that are not in our best interests.
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