Think back to an earlier time when you were younger.  Or if you’re still young, remember what it felt like to play this simple game with a friend:  rock, paper, or scissors.   Sounds easy enough doesn’t it? Well if you haven’t heard of this game, let me explain.  Two people mainly participate in this event to kill time which consist of both simultaneously using their hand to make a symbol of a rock (your fist), paper (laying one hand flat on top of the other), or scissors (using your index and middle finger as if to imply cutting).  The objective of the game is to out-think your competitor and pick a tool that will destroy his tool, i.e. the paper covers the rock which then crushes the scissors…but wait, the scissors then can cut through paper!   Therefore, either tool picked can eventually destroy the other one. 

I’m reminded of this game as it is pretty clear that sometimes if others know your “game plan” that it will be easier at times for them to defeat you.  Let’s say that every time we played this game, I knew that you were a “rock” person.  More than likely, I’d beat you “hands down” because I know what move you are going to make.  So therefore, I’d pick paper every time.  You’d then (if you had not seen the light just yet) become so frustrated that you’d probably give up and walk away a sore loser.  Or…if you were smart, you’d just switch up your game plan and continue in the competition.

This brings me to the point of switching up your game plan, defined as being strategic and not just playing a game, but playing to win.  How do you play to win exactly?  This is something to think about even when you are involved in the simplest of games, sports, or life events.  Last time we discussed the importance of having a proper exercise and diet regime when trying to achieve your goals.  Planning ahead and having a strong support system are key factors that make the transition from start to finish successful and easier.  Here are some “pointers” to use and things to consider before its “game time”:

• When you do play a game, it is always a positive to go in with a strategy and explore the possibilities of several outcomes. 
• Know yourself. Be realistic and understand your own capabilities, not that of others.
• Follow the game through.  Try to visualize yourself getting to the finish line.  What does it look like?  This will ensure that you do not jump from one game to the next.  “Jumping” only makes it more difficult to complete a single task.  Instead you’re playing several games at once and goals become ambiguous.
• Have a back-up plan.  If this strategy is not getting you to the end goal, there are 77 x 7 more ways of getting there!
• Outline the other key players that can help you get there.  This is where your strong support system comes in, whether you are trying to complete a task that directly affects you (such as losing weight or kicking that smoking habit) or subsequently impacts others (changing careers or starting a new business).  Who are those people that will help you to “grow” or “slow” you from achieving your goals?
• What are your tools?  Or…is there a need to acquire more tools, i.e. a personal trainer, a degree, certificate, license, more key players?
• Lastly, is this goal a healthy one?  What purpose does it serve? Who will it impact and how?  Ask yourself: What am I trying to gain from completing this challenge?  It is not just to simply win or to gain something; however, grasping a concept of the type of changes, or the degree to which they may occur as a result of this decision, will allow for better planning.

Wishing you and your community well,

Roslyn L. Warren, NCC