Throughout our entire lives, we participate in many games. Every game has some established rules that were created before we became either participants or spectators. Although the rules may not be to your liking, if you're going to participate, you need to follow the rules or face expulsion from the game. The range of activities and games are so broad that they cover just about every spectrum of our life from birth to death.
The theme of this week's lesson is to discuss why you should participate in as many of the positive games as possible during your life; as well as why you should always try to excel in them, if you choose to participant at all. The first premise is you cannot ever win in any game, if you are a spectator rather than a participant. You have to join the game if you ever want to succeed. Then once you join, it's totally your responsibility to learn all you can about the rules of the game; as well as acquire the knowledge and skills necessary in order to succeed. The winners in all games are neither ignorant about the rules nor are they complacent, negligent individuals.
Let's begin our examples of the games we play with School. The educational process is one of the most important games that children will ever become involved in. There are always rules and regulations in schools. Although children and parents may not like them, it's each student's responsibility to learn the rules and abide by them. Then each student must work diligently to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills, in order to succeed in each class of each school. Many adults pay dearly, because as students they failed to learn the rules and acquire the knowledge and skills throughout their school years. This is especially if they continue this same trend as adults.
Other important games we might engage in during our lifetime are sports; jobs; businesses; religion; politics; investing; driving a vehicle; piloting a boat or airplane; being a passenger on an airplane; being a customer; being a vendor; dealing with the government; being a member of any organization; or just let your imagination run wild. Thus, as you can see there are few activities that you engage in that cannot be considered a game with specified rules, and skills or knowledge you must acquire to succeed.
Too often, individuals settle to sit on the sidelines and watch games as a spectator. They may not believe in themselves enough, to sign up and play. It's understandable that you can't take part in every game that's available. However, it's important to take part in as many positive games as possible, in order to enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle. For example swimming happens to be one of my passions in life. Sure there are some safety rules to abide by in this game. And there are definitely some basic skills you need to learn and acquire. However once you learn both, you can enjoy a lifetime of healthy, pleasurable activities. It's interesting that as simple as this game is, it's only engaged in by a minority of individuals. Most people never learn how to swim. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, more than 4000 people drown each year, with 60% of those being children in swimming pools. Think of all the lives that can be saved by more people joining in this game.
Another statistic that always amazes is that 90% of small businesses fail in their first two years of operation. This statistic shows that 9 out of 10 people who start a business neither learned the rules of the game nor acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed. Had they practiced due diligence researching the market for their product or service beforehand as well as learned the rules of the game, they would have increased their chances of success. Then if they studied their customers needs and wants; studied their competitors; developed sound relationships with their vendors and industry leaders; planned well and executed diligently; they may have made the 10% cut for success.
The last example I would like to use, is the Sales Profession. As a business owner I have hired and trained salespeople for over 25 years. I learned early on in my own sales career, that Sales is not a voodoo profession. It also has very little to do with luck. Instead Sales is a very sophisticated and competitive game. There are basic rules and strict disciplines to follow. Then success is all about acquiring knowledge and skills; and utilizing the best data and technologies available to deliver exactly what your customers want and expect CONSISTENTLY! You've heard the saying that salespeople are a dime a dozen. However, EXCELLENT SALES PROFESSIONALS are some of the wealthiest individuals on the planet . Same game, some are a dime a dozen while others make millions.
In conclusion - never, ever be complacent. Learn the rules of each game you participate in. Then acquire the knowledge and skills. BE THE BEST!