Winning 101
Want a solid strategic foundation to benefit your work and life? Well, it’s time to play — to play chess that is.
The essential tactics that help players win chess games can help you win the game of life. Here are a few fundamental tactics you can swipe for your best-life strategy without even hunching over a game board.
Chess tactic: Protect your king.
IRL parallel: The king may not have the coolest moves on the board, but if he falls, the game is over. The king represents your overarching priorities and goals. You must move them forward slowly and steadily, using all the other pieces for support along the way.
Chess tactic: Structure your pawns.
IRL parallel: Pay attention to and nurture your support system. Determine what you need to feel safe and protected enough for you and your king to pursue winning the game. Put that structure in place. Keep it in place.
Chess tactic: Control the center.
IRL parallel: Keep your options open. Consider all the potential outcomes of your decisions and favor those with the potential to branch out in multiple possible directions.
Chess tactic: Sacrifice your pieces wisely.
IRL parallel: In chess, you’re going to have to lose some pieces. In life, you’re going to have to let go of some of your goals, tasks, or interests. By accepting that simple reality, you can be better prepared to decide which ones to let go of when the time comes.