3. Think forward and backwards

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I'll never go there." ~Charlie Munger

Most people think about problems only in one direction, for example, "how to win?" However, it is not enough to think about difficult problems in only one way. You need to think about them forwards and backward: "how not to lose?"

This thinking technique is called "Inversion". It originated from German mathematician, Carl Jacobi, who was well-known for solving difficult problems by using the simple strategy of 'man muss immer umkehren,' or in other words, 'Invert, always invert.' Carl Jacobi believed that hard problems could be solved easier and quicker by expressing them in the opposite way. By asking the question of what would happen if the opposite was true, Carl Jacobi innovated solutions to familiar problems which helped him to make unique contributions to his field of work.

Success = Good Decisions - Bad Decisions 

The most powerful benefit of using the inversion technique is that it will help you to avoid the bad decisions preventing you from achieving your goals. Charlie Munger highlights this point:

"Turn a situation or problem upside down. Look at it backward. What happens if all our plans go wrong? Where don't we want to go, and how do you get there? Instead of looking for success, make a list of how to fail instead – through sloth, envy, resentment, self-pity, entitlement, all the mental habits of self-defeat. Avoid these qualities and you will succeed." 

While thinking backwards may not solve all problems, thinking forward increases the odds that you'll cause harm (iatrogenic). Thinking backward, call it subtractive avoidance or inversion, is less likely to cause harm. You can think of it as the avoiding stupidity filter. It's not sexy but it's a very easy way to improve.

Avoid stupidity before seeking brilliance.

How do we apply this principles to games?

Most people have a forward/offensive mindset - they prefer to attack and get quick results. However, in most games, you win by not making as many mistakes as your competition. Moving first will often put you at a disadvantage: You are exposing your strategy and limiting your options. Instead, discover the power of holding back and letting the other side move first, giving you the flexibility to counterattack from any angle. If your opponents are aggressive, bait them into a rash attack that will leave them in a weak position, then you counterattack. If you're defensive you'll beat offensive minded people. People will constantly make low percentage plays because they're fun and they will misplay while executing them. Let them "fall on their own swords".

At a higher level, use the Strategy of The Void - deny your opponent targets. The feeling of emptiness or void — silence, isolation, non-engagement with others — is for most people intolerable. Give your enemies no target to attack, be dangerous but elusive, then watch as they chase you into the void. Instead of frontal battles, deliver irritating but damaging side attacks and pinprick bites. 

For chess games, focus on avoid losing. After an opponent makes a move, don't think about strategy or winning but rather to ask yourself: what's the threat? For most games with a net, focus on keeping the ball in play. For team sports, play defense and just keep it simple. 

Give your rivals enough rope to hang themselves.

Game Theory

Game Theory is the science of decision making based on what your opponent will do. It also make use of the think-backwards principle. According to Game Theory, your opponent will always use the dominant strategy, the best strategy regardless of what you do, if available. Knowing his strategy, you can work backward and choose the best strategy based on what he will choose. 

Imagine you are in a three-way shootout game. There are 3 three players and each of you takes turns to shoot a player of your choice. You only have a 30% accuracy but you go first. Bernard has a 70% accuracy and he goes second. Charles has a 100% accuracy but he goes third. Who should you shoot? 

To answer the question, first, you have to predict how your opponents will react based on what you do. If you shoot Bernard and he dies, Charles will shoot you with 100% accuracy. If you shoot Charles and he dies, Benard will shoot you with 70% accuracy. Hence your best strategy is to pass and let both of them to shoot each other.

To summarize Game Theory for any given game situation:

Figure out who the "players" are.

Figure out what everybody's "decisions" are

Figure out how long the game will run

Figure out what the "payoffs" or "win conditions" are for each player

From there, you can figure out what everybody's most likely decisions are, and what your optimal responses would be.

For life, there are two big assumptions that game theory makes that aren’t applicable, so use these to your advantage as well: 

Game theory requires that all players are playing the same game; in real life, sometimes your "players" won’t realize there’s a game being played at all. 

Also, in game theory, the rules of the game aren’t changeable. In real life, if you don’t like the outcomes of the game you’re playing, then it’s almost always possible to change the game. 

Always look forward and reason backward.

Plan all the way to the end

Thinking backwards, used in yet another way, is to visualize the end first before you even begin. The ending is everything. All things are created twice — first in the mind, and then in the real world. Physical manifestations follow mental ones. Plan all the way to it, taking into account all the possible consequences, obstacles, and twists of fortune that might reverse your hard work. By planning to the end you will not be overwhelmed by circumstances and you will know when to stop. Gently guide fortune and help determine the future by thinking far ahead.

When you see several steps ahead, and plan your moves all the way to the end, you will gain tremendous clarity. You will no longer be tempted by emotion or by the desire to improvise. Your clarity will rid you of the anxiety and vagueness that are the primary reasons why so many fail to conclude their actions successfully. You'll be able to plan and strategize for the best route to your goals, which will also help you become more efficient

It is a cliché among strategists that your plan must include alternatives and have a degree of flexibility. That is certainly true. If you are locked into a plan too rigidly, you will be unable to deal with sudden shifts of fortune. Once you have examined the future possibilities and decided on your target, you must build in alternatives and be open to new routes toward your goal. If you are clear and far-thinking enough, you will understand that the future is uncertain, and that you must be open to adaptation. Only having a clear objective and a far-reaching plan allows you that freedom.

"There are very few men-and they are the exceptions-who are able to think and feel beyond the present moment." ~Carl Von Clausewitz

4. Rush/Beatdown/Control Triangle Theory

This idea comes from Mike Flores' "Who's The Beatdown" article, which was written for the card game Magic: The Gathering in 1999. But the advice can be applied to a wide range of competitive games and has stood the test of time. It will help you figure out who plays what role in a matchup and find roles to win in situations that seem impossible to win.

The theory states that there are three main "role" to playing any games: Beatdown, Control, Rush. 

• Beatdown focus on building up strength in early game until it can crush its opponent in mid/late game with overwhelming strength. 
• Control aims to defend against opponent's attacks efficiently and slowly accumulate advantages until it can wear out its opponent.
• Rush aims to surprise and cripple its opponent early for a quick victory. 

Each role has its own advantages and disadvantages over other role. 

• Beatdown has an advantage over Control because Control has to waste resources early in the game to defend against Beatdown, who is just building up his strength. In the middle or late game, Beatdown can be too strong for Control to handle.
• Control is better than Rush because it can handle Rush's early, weak attacks and counter attack Rush when it is weak.
• Rush has an advantage over Beatdown because it can surprise and overwhelm Beatdown when it wasn't focused on defense in the early game.

As such, the three role has a triangle relationship:

    Beatdown

     ⬈       ⬊

      Rush ⬅ Control

Once you recognize the presence of "roles" in your game, there are numerous implications. To begin, you must be prepared to play multiple roles. Second, you must determine your opponent's role early on and adjust your role accordingly. When you master this, you will be able to play the appropriate role at the appropriate time. For example, if you are a Rush and your opponent is a Control, you can rapidly switch to a Beatdown role and get an advantage over them. If you and your opponent are both Beatdown, you must decide who is the stronger Beatdown. If your opponent is stronger, you may want to rush them. If you and your opponent have the same role and strength, your mission is simple: kill him faster than he can kill you.

"Missassignment of role = game loss." ~Mike Flores, Who's The Beatdown

5. Observe, Orient, Decide, Act

“What is strategy? A mental tapestry of changing intentions for harmonizing and focusing our efforts as a basis for realizing some aim or purpose in an unfolding and often unforeseen world of many bewildering events and many contending interests.” —John Boyd

The OODA Loop is a four-step decision-making process for high-stakes scenarios. The OODA Loop, created by strategist and US Air Force Colonel John Boyd, is a practical idea designed to serve as the cornerstone of rational thought in confused or chaotic situations. "OODA" is an acronym that stands for "Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act."

 Observe 

⬈          ⬊

   Act           Orient

 ⬉          ⬋
 Decide

1) Observe. Develop robust, acute, and discriminating situational awareness.

As Frans Osinga notes in Science, Strategy, and War, "even if one has perfect information it is of no value if it is not coupled to a penetrating understanding of its meaning, if one does not see the patterns. Judgment is key. Without judgment, data means nothing. It is not necessarily the one with more information who will come out victorious, it is the one with better judgment, the one who is better at discerning patterns."

How can we improve our judgment in order to better grasp our observations in a quickly changing environment?

2) Orient. You must constantly disassemble your old paradigms and reassemble the resulting bits to build a fresh perspective that is more in line with your present reality. This is referred to as "destructive deduction" by Boyd. When we do this, we evaluate and separate our mental concepts into discrete bits. Once we have these essential parts, we may begin the process of "creative induction," which involves leveraging these old fragments to construct new mental conceptions that are more closely aligned with what we have noticed is actually happening around us.

To demonstrate this process, Boyd proposed the following thought experiment:

Imagine you're on a ski slope with other people. Imagine you're in an outboard motorboat. Imagine you're on a bicycle on a beautiful spring day. Imagine you're taking your son to a department store and you notice he's attracted by the toy tractors or tanks with rubber caterpillar treads.

Imagine removing the skis. Imagine removing the outboard motor from the boat. And from the bicycle, you remove the handlebars and dump the rest of the bike. Finally, you remove the rubber treads from the toy truck or tanks. This leaves only the skis, outboard engine, handlebars, and rubber treads.

What happens when you bring these specific elements together?

It's a snowmobile.

In a word, orientation is the ability to make symbolic mental snowmobiles on the go and in the face of uncertainty.

According to Boyd, the ability to orient effectively is what separates the winners from the losers in any conflict: a loser is someone who cannot build snowmobiles when faced with uncertainty and unpredictable change; a winner is someone who can build snowmobiles and employ them appropriately when faced with uncertainty and unpredictable change.

3) Decide. The previous two steps provide the groundwork you need to make an informed decision. If there are multiple options at hand, you need to use your observation and orientation to select one.

4) Act. There is a distinction between making decisions and putting them into action. When you've made up your mind, it's time to act. By acting, you put your decision to the test. The results should show whether it was a good one or not, providing information for when you return to the beginning of the OODA Loop and start observing again.

Loop

Don’t forget the “Loop” part. The process is intended to be repeated again and again until a conflict finishes. Each repetition provides more information to inform the next one, making it a feedback loop.

“We gotta get an image or picture in our head, which we call orientation. Then we have to make a decision as to what we’re going to do, and then implement the decision. . . . Then we look at the [resulting] action, plus our observation, and we drag in new data, new orientation, new decision, new action, ad infinitum.” —John Boyd

Speed

When applying OODA, speed is critical. Those who can complete consecutive OODA loops faster than their opponent will win. This is because your quick OODA Looping "resets" your opponent's OODA Loop by producing bewilderment — it sends them back to square one; back to the observation phase; back to determining how to proceed. This delay gives you additional time to finish your OODA Loop before your opponent.

Imagine what you would do if a man with a gun came in through the door.

You're dead if you hesitated. You got stuck during the orientation phase. You must have a plan that you are confident will work in that situation and put it into action right away. Remember, you must complete your Loop before the bad guy.

According to previous active shooter study, the optimum response is not to leave or hide from the gunman, but to immediately narrow the distance between you and him and incapacitate him. What makes this work? When you rush after the gunman, you disrupt his strategy and his perspective on the world. You're entering his OODA Loop, or "resetting it":

Most dangerous gunmen believe that just because they have a gun, people will do what they say and simply hide. They don't anticipate anyone to chase them down. You're resetting your adversary's Loop by closing the distance since they now have to re-orient themselves to an unexpected shift in the surroundings. You've slowed him down, even if just by a few seconds, which gives you more time to complete your OODA Loop and win the war.

To execute a mental model with this level of speed, you must train and imagine yourself closing the distance in an active shooter situation before it occurs in real life. You'll end up freezing if you don't.

So quick cycling of your OODA Loop can allow you to get inside, or reset, your opponent's, allowing you to finish your Loop first and win the fight. In the OODA Loop, speed is relative.

You just have to loop faster than the person you’re competing against.

6. Don't forget to pause

In the previous chapter, we emphasized on speed when implementing OODA loop. In this chapter, we will discuss the opposite problem most people have when making decisions: Reacting too quickly. 

Most people don't, or can't, take enough time to think about the increasingly complex timing challenges we face. Yet elite players are comfortable pausing for as long as necessary before they act, even in the face of the most pressing decisions.

Take Novak Djokovic, the No.1 tennis player, for example. His advantage over the other professionals at Wimbledon won't be his agility or stamina. Instead, as scientists who study superfast athletes have found, the key to Djokovic's success will be his ability to wait just a few milliseconds longer than his opponents before hitting the ball. That tiny delay is why most players won't have a chance against him. Djokovic wins because he can procrastinate – at the speed of light.

In tennis, 300 milliseconds is the time players have to react physically – to adjust themselves to what they know about the ball's flight and then try to hit it how and where they'd like. Having just 300 milliseconds to hit a ball is a serious problem for most of us. Most of us cannot move to the correct spot and produce a swing with accuracy or power in 300 milliseconds. However, 300 milliseconds is plenty of time for Djokovic. He is so skilled and practiced that he can produce near-instantaneous muscle contractions to move his body and execute a swing in perhaps 100 milliseconds.

For Djokovic, his physical speed frees up time for him to prepare during the phase tennis coaches call "ball identification". This is when he absorbs the crush of data generated after the ball leaves his opponent's racket. He splits up the time available during a return shot; because he is so fast, he has extra time to gather and process information. Finally, at the last possible instant, he commits to his choice and swings. To put it in OODA terms, he spent the majority of his available time doing observe and orient and only decide and act in the last millisecond.

His approach of first observing, second processing and third acting – at the last possible moment – also works well for our decisions. We are often better off delaying our judgments as long as possible as we tend to overreact. Once we know how much time we have to make a decision, we generally should delay the moment of decision until the last possible instant. If we have an hour, we should wait 59 minutes before responding. If we have a year, we should wait 364 days. Even if we have just half a second, we should wait as long as we possibly can. As the matches at Wimbledon will illustrate, even milliseconds matter. 

In short, the longer we can wait, the better. 

In the heat of the game, our natural instinct is to react to opponent's move immediately. This instinct is called a "amygdala hijack". It is the natural survival "fight, flight, or freeze" response of our ancestors back when there were still predators. However, we are living in a different age now and The Common Denominator of Success concept states that "success is something which is achieved by the minority of people and is therefore unnatural". Therefore we should rise above our natural instincts to respond immediately in order to stop the clock to observe and process the information. A wise decision requires reflection, and reflection requires a pause.

"If I had an hour to solve a problem, I would spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem, and 5 minutes thinking about the solution." ~Albert Einstein 

7. Enlarge your competitive space, increase your options, and find positional advantage

"What are your choices when someone puts a gun to your head? You take the gun, or you pull out a bigger one. Or, you call their bluff. Or, you do any of a hundred and forty six other things." ~Harvey Specter, Suits

Always try to enlarge the competitive space. Think outside the box and outperform your opponent. Can the rules be changed? Is it possible to find hacks? A boxer fighting Mike Tyson may have few options, but his chances would rise dramatically if he could break the rules and bring in a fellow fighter from outside the ring. Combining with others is frequently the most savvy strategic decision.

When the rules are disadvantageous, change the rules.

- 多 Multipurpose move (protect+attack+extend)

- 根 Destroy enemy base / protect own base

- 次 Consider if subsequent step is optimal

- 配 Coordinate with other areas / destroy opponent coordination

Increase your options while limiting your opponent's. In chess, for example, take control of the center of the board to free up your pieces. When your pieces are open, you can attack your opponent from many angles. Simultaneously, force and squeeze your opponents to limit their alternatives.

Build up pressure on the opponent's position gradually. As additional threats emerge, the opponent's pieces become too overworked and passive to deal with them all. The key to this process is to deprive the opponent of counterplay and then assault multiple targets at once, making simultaneous defense difficult.

Use forced moves such as checks, captures, and mating threats to compel your opponent to choose from a limited set of possible responses. Then you may control the game's dynamics by dictating your opponent's moves. Have you ever wondered how good players can see five, a dozen, or more steps ahead? The answer is that their opponents usually don't have many options because they are forced into a specific series of moves.

There is positional advantage in every game. Find them! A positional advantage is a benefit obtained by being at the right place at the right moment. This advantage can be in the form of resources, leverage, information, power, or options. When analyzing games, always find the position that gives the most advantage. For example:

• In card games, the best position is the seat behind the weak player. At that position, you can you can capitalize on his mistakes and increase your lead over all other players.

• In chess games, the best position is the center of the board. When you control the center, you have more space and flexibility in both attacking and defending.

• In fighting games, the best position is behind your opponent, where he is most vulnerable.

• In battles, the best position is on hilltops, where you can see and prepare for the enemy coming from afar.

• In life, the best position is the industry that have the greatest potential of growing. A person in sunrise industry and a person in sunset industry earns very different income. A rising tide raises all boats.

However, what if you are in a bad position? You flip the principle on its head: find the advantage in that position. If you're losing badly, seek for complacency in your opponent and take advantage of it. When your back is against the wall, use your mortality to your advantage. There is only one option: win. Always look for opportunities to improve your standing.

How do you implement these principles in your daily life? If you can't see a clear road ahead, pick the school/course/industry/job that offers the most room for growth and the most possibilities for the time being. If you are in a lousy or low position at work, immerse yourself in your boss's task so thoroughly that removing you would cause him tremendous hardship. Then you'll have leverage to advance your career.

Always strive for more options and better positions.

8. Be hungry, be dangerous, be surprising!

In the heat of the game, when you don't have the time to plan or analyze, when you have to rely on your instinct, this is the principle you follow - Be Hungry, Be Dangerous, Be Surprising!

Hungry

You must be bold, take the initiative, and have a strong desire to act. If no opportunities exist, take action to create your own. Allow no time for your opponent to respond. Learn the OODA loop decision-making model from military strategist and Air Force Colonel John Boyd. To win, Boyd explained, you must detect what is going on, orient yourself, determine what to do, and act before your opponent has done his version of the same process, and you must do so faster than your opponent. Take and maintain the initiative. You will only be reacting to your opponent's moves and dancing to your opponent's tune if you become passive.

Be hungry for action. Be hungry to take advantage. And most importantly, be hungry to create opportunities. 

Dangerous 

To expand on the preceding OODA loop example, you need have not just a rapid tempo for the OODA loop, but also rapid variations in tempo. When it comes to winning a competition or a disagreement, our behaviors must be unexpected, ambiguous, and varied; speeding up and slowing down your actions swiftly and irregularly can sometimes produce more uncertainty than merely blowing through your OODA Loop. If your opponent expects a swift and quick attack from you, but you instead delay, you may cause a "huh" moment that can be exploited. You are now incredibly dangerous.

No matter how tough the game has become or how it has progressed - up to this point - remember that the aim isn't to win, but to make the best move possible, and delivering lethal is always possible as long as you are in the game.

"Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt." ~Sun Tsu's Art of War

Surprising

Anticipate what your opponent will expect and respond unexpectedly. To avoid becoming predictable, utilize mix methods that randomly select amongst possible actions based on a probability distribution. Or, go crazy and do something really illogical only to confuse your opponent. "Act crazy but stay wise," as the phrase goes.

When you're stuck in a game, or in life, and have no way ahead, performing random new wacky things is the best way to shake the board. There are possibilities in the midst of chaos. When an opportunity presents itself, be ready to seize it.

"Stir up waters to catch fish." ~Thirty-Six Stratagems

Part 3: The Meta-Game Principles

What exactly is a Meta-Game? When all players are at their peak, there is no single dominant strategy, and all players are aware of the majority of viable in-game strategies, the metagame comes into action. At the highest level, it becomes necessary to research new counter strategies specifically against opponents' current strategies, to operate outside of the game's prescribed rules, to use external factors to affect the game, or to go beyond the game's supposed limits or environment to gain an advantage over the opponent. The Meta-Game is a new "game" that transcends the original game.

In the story of the tortoise and the hare, the narrator never mentions how, before the race, the tortoise secretly puts sleeping powder into the hare's drinking water... 

The tortoise in this scenario is strategizing even before the race begins. In this section, we'll go through different strategies for gaining an advantage in the Meta-Game.

1. Understand the meta-game

There are two kinds of meta-games. The first is the "narrow" meta-game, sometimes known as the "Most Effective Tactic Available," or simply "meta." Players in the narrow meta-game compete to identify the most effective approach against the majority of other players, as the name implies. Players who find and implement the meta well are rewarded with easier wins, especially against those who have not acclimated to the new tactic. However, when more players learn and master the meta, the advantage fades. Some players will then explore new counter-strategies to the current meta, and the most effective counter-strategy will swiftly become the new meta. As a result, the narrow meta-game is a dynamic game of strategies and counter-plans.

Should you be concerned about the "narrow" meta-game? It is decided by your basic skill level. If you have a low or mid skill level, forget about meta. Higher skill players always defeat lesser skill players, regardless of the meta. Another problem is that players who are too focused on the meta lose sight of the fundamentals. At this moment, meta is a distraction, and the most important thing is to focus on strengthening your fundamentals.

Knowledge of the meta is required for higher skill levels. Why? Understanding the meta allows you to anticipate future circumstances and maximize your gaming strategy. It can also help you prioritize what knowledge or essentials you should focus on. If you know your opponents are more likely to use this tactic, you can focus your efforts on refining your counter-strategies. Furthermore, once you notice the meta at the top of your skill tree, you will be able to see it in other games and in real life, allowing you to evolve strategies faster than others in all areas.

As a result, this is how you should approach the narrow meta-game. The other form of meta-game is the "wide" meta-game. It includes multiple strategies. It is about gathering information, teamwork, relationships, influencing the psychology of your opponent, and so on. In its broadest sense, the vast meta-game is life itself. We will look at how to play the bigger meta-game in the following principles.

2. Prepare for tournament

To prepare for tournament, it's best to participate in official matches or competitions. Playing outside of formal competition may seem genuine, but it's not a reliable indicator of your abilities. Serious competition forge the best players, while casual gaming is primarily for fun.

In tournaments, even your usual opponents can elevate their gameplay to a higher level. Players tend to save their best tactics for competitive situations, and they may respond differently to approaches they haven't encountered before. In competition, players are more conservative and value their life in the game as if the fate of the Earth depends on it, while in casual play, they may abandon a game where they're at a disadvantage.

Edward Lasker's book "Chess for Fun & Chess for Blood" describes two sides of chess - the enjoyable side where amateurs play for the excitement of battle without consequences, and the tournament side where masters or those seeking to be masters compete, and the results can significantly impact their standing or career.

Tournament and match games played by masters are not enjoyable, even for the victor. They're the most challenging tasks imaginable, and players resist the allure of attractive combinations until they're sure it won't jeopardize their chances of at least drawing the game if they can't win. Winning a tournament is determined by the points earned - a full point for a win, a half point for a tie, and a zero for a loss. It's not the beauty of a combination that wins a tournament, but the points earned.

 

Understanding Tournaments

For those unfamiliar with tournaments, it can be a complex experience. Beyond the rules of the game, there are various regulations and customs to navigate. Tournaments can take on different formats, such as single or double elimination, round robin, or Swiss, and players may be seeded based on their past performance. While seeding can ensure that top players don't face each other too early in the tournament, it can also mean that newcomers have to compete against stronger opponents right away. However, understanding the purpose of seeding can alleviate any frustration or doubts.

Tournaments also have their own customs and etiquette. For example, in a fighting game, players must choose their characters, and in chess, they must select their color. As a newcomer, it's easy to feel like an outsider trying to learn unfamiliar customs. It can be unclear if other players are genuinely trying to make friends or if they are scouting out potential threats. Having a solid understanding of tournament culture can help alleviate any paranoia.

A tournament match is an engagement with an opponent that can consist of a single game or a series of games. The ultimate goal is to win the match, which is typically all that matters in a single or double elimination event. However, individual game results may be important for tie-breaker purposes. It's important to be aware of the flow of gameplay over the course of a match, especially if it consists of multiple games. One player may "find out" the other and gain the upper hand as the match progresses. It's essential to recognize when this is happening and make adjustments if needed. In some games, such as fighting games and real-time strategy games, players can switch characters or sides between matches. In card games like Magic: The Gathering, players can alter their decks by swapping out cards from a pre-registered sideboard. Understanding when to adjust strategies and when to stick to the plan takes time and experience.

Participating in formal competition is the best way to put oneself to the test and improve tournament skills. Becoming an outstanding player is subjective, so it's essential to focus on personal growth and success in competitions.

Preparing for tournaments

Preparing for a tournament is an essential part of competitive gaming. Stuff you learn at the last minute just aren't as effective as things you've completely incorporated into your play over time. Continuous skill and strategy development over time is essential for success in tournaments.

When it comes to preparing for a tournament, it's vital to refocus your approach to the game. This involves identifying specific tactics that can give you an edge in the competition and practicing them thoroughly, even if it's tedious or time-consuming. For example, you may need to hone your physical dexterity or practice a particular strategy against a range of opponents to gain a thorough understanding of it.

It's also crucial to prioritize effectiveness over personal enjoyment or experimentation when preparing for a tournament. While it may be tempting to play with bad characters or use unconventional tactics to showcase your skills or have more fun, doing so may not give you the best chance of winning. In a tournament, you'll need to showcase your best abilities and strategies to perform at your highest level.

In a fighting game, you'll need to choose your best character and train extensively with them. This means practicing their moves, combos, and tactics until they become ingrained in your muscle memory. Similarly, in a real-time strategy game, you'll need to select your best race and practice your construction sequence and tactics until they become second nature. In a first-person shooter, you'll need to master your best weapons and learn the best routes to navigate the map efficiently.

While having backup plans and a range of strategies is helpful, it's crucial to prioritize the skills and tactics that will give you the best chance of winning. A tournament is a high-pressure situation where you'll need to perform at your best, and preparation is essential to achieve that. So, if you're serious about competing, it's vital to put aside your personal preferences and focus on the skills that will help you win.

Meta-game

To prepare for a tournament, it's essential to have a good understanding of the meta-game, which refers to the current trends and strategies that players use in the game. Failing to comprehend the meta-game can lead to being caught off guard on tournament day, putting you at a disadvantage.

One way to utilize knowledge of the meta-game is in games like Magic: The Gathering, where players bring their custom-built decks. If you know what types of decks are popular, you can build your deck to counter those popular strategies. Regularly attending competitions and being part of the gaming community can provide a significant advantage over isolated players.

At the higher levels of play, the term "meta-game" takes on a different meaning. Top players are already skilled enough to defeat lower-tier players, but they must pay attention to the "mini-meta-game," which consists of the current tricks and strategies of the few other players who have a chance of beating them.

Understanding your opponents is crucial when preparing for a tournament. It's common for new players to overestimate their abilities and think they can win a tournament without proper preparation. However, winning requires being familiar with the tournament meta-game, and it's difficult to acquire these skills in isolation.

3. Growth hack your practices

You might have the experience how usually at the very beginning process of practicing a skill, we tend to progress quite rapidly, yet after some initial progress and successes, the further we get and the more things we actually learn the more our progress tends to slow down gradually...

Because progress in itself is a process of adaptation. The universal reason why we become better in a skill is not out of the false belief of repetition but happens because of adaptation.

Repetition is part of it, but it does matter what your repetition is about. Repetition becomes only valuable as long as it sends a signal to our mind and body, for it to adapt itself to the stress we are putting it through.

If the signal isn't strong enough to initiate this "survival" mode, our skills won't progress just the same as our muscles won't grow.

Understanding this makes it easy to see why whenever we just start out learning a skill from zero, it immediately pushes our limits and why as a result we progress.

It's the reason why progress at the beginning stages tends to happen rapidly and predictably because we push ourselves in that stage almost continually.

The real problem actually starts once you start advancing and fill up your practice session with rehearsing more and more things that aren't as new or pushing your skills anymore.

One of the essential things they have found is that, if you want to get better at something, you cannot do it in an "autonomous stage". You can't get better on autopilot.

As a general rule, it could be said that if you are coming close towards learning something, whether a certain move or trick or skill where it's at a level of reaching almost close to becoming autopilot, where some of your attention is able to drift off while practicing it, it's time to move on to something harder.

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Shawn Lane probably didn't become as famous as he should have been, but the things I've heard about this guy is that if you try to play guitar and you watch him play it's almost impossible how fast he can play.

And it's not like a little more impossible than anybody else who plays guitar, it's like everybody else at the top who plays guitar on a level that is so complex that it's technically impossible and then there's like Shawn Lane and between them is this giant gap.

Now he might not have been writing the best music, but as far as it goes playing it, he was technically perfect.

And as I was doing some research about him I came across one of his interviews where someone asked, how do you build up the speed, how do you learn to play that insanely fast?

He answered the way I do it is not the way most people teach to do it. What I do is, I play the scale, and the guitar lick faster than I can play it. I try to play it faster than I can play it and I screw up as I try to do it that way, but I keep playing it faster than I can play it and I try to adapt myself to the speed...

And with time I learn to play it that much faster when I move a slight degree back from my limits. Coming back from that point the speed doesn't even seem as hard anymore.

So rather than how anybody else who teaches it, that is to do it slowly and build up the difficulty step by step and go a little bit faster and a little bit faster, he said the important thing is learning the basics right and as soon as you have the basics learned, train on your limits.

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Why do we keep practicing the same thing everyday?

This is because of a process is called "Myelination" by modern neuroscience.

Myelination is a process where paths are paved inside our mind similarly like a highway is paved, and it's literally paving a road on which we follow through each time we come to the same situation.

The very first time you choose and make a decision, the road has been chosen, but as we continue to take the same pathways, it becomes easier each time to go on the same road the next time, and we keep paving over it once we start using them.

And if we connect this concept to practicing, I have a simple question for you.

If our practice session consists of 99% the same things we do basically every day, day after day...

Do we challenge ourselves enough throughout the day in our practice?

What would you say, how much of the things that you practice every day and the routines that you go about are on the same difficulty level as yesterday and the day before?

The answer might be probably almost 100%. The reality is that if 99% of what you do in your practice is almost the same as the day before, your results according to that are changing probably slowly as well.

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Now that we already might know we have to push our limits in order to progress, but there's a couple of problems we might run into.

How can you make time for new things if your practice is already filled up and you don't even have time to practice all the things you already can do or need to work on?

What is the best way to prioritize the skills to practice and plan in a way to get the maximum effect?

When would you say is the most logical time to practice a new advanced skill or trick in your practice session?

What would be the right time to do it? In the BEGINNING, the MIDDLE, or the END of your practice session?

To answer this, we need to take a deeper look at our ENERGY & FOCUS LEVEL.

Throughout the day, we only have a certain amount of focus and energy. The green line represents our energy and focus level that we can take to concentrate on a certain task.

When we start out, this line is obviously at its peak, but as we practice, our energy gets used up and it gets lower throughout our practice session.

So what level of energy is needed to overcome your current skill level? What is needed to overcome your current abilities and to literally overcome your limits? High level or low level energy.

The answer is obvious. Winners either practice new skills at the beginning or in the middle of their practice session.

When practicing "New Level Skill", they build a much faster warmup road towards it than others and start practicing it when their energy is still high.

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Winners' biggest and foremost priority is always, and I literally mean ALWAYS progress.

Everything else comes after it.

First comes the progress in the new level skill, and if that's achieved, then nothing else really matters for them. In this mindset... If you didn't get better, you haven't achieved essentially anything, so to speak.

Now, Winners don't care how much they need to work for a certain result. As long as they can get the result, they really don't care how much work it'll take.

Their priority is progress, and that's why they start their practice with the intention of progressing. 

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Have you ever met someone who was bragging about how many hours he usually practiced but didn't seem to get better at all?

These are the losers. Their mindset is focused usually on the amount of timely work they are getting done versus actually getting work done.

It's a prank, their own mind plays on them. You might hear things like, today I practiced five hours and I've gone through all of my routines, and that already gives a feeling of accomplishment, but they essentially did not really achieve any significant new results, and that is why they actually didn't improve.

They just remained at the level they already were at and prevailed to get worse.

WINNERS MINDSET

MOTIVATED BY GAIN

PUTS PRIORITY ON PROGRESS

MEASURES SUCCESS BASED ON RESULTS

LOSERS MINDSET

MOTIVATED BY FEAR

PUTS PRIORITY ON "ROUTINES"

MEASURES SUCCESS BASED ON TIME SPENT

Winners make choices not based on any logic. It's instinct based. It's a mindset, and what drives their mindset is a different emotion. They are motivated by gain and progress rather than motivated by fear of losing something, and looking at each day for a new progress to be made.

Their motivation doesn't come from avoiding loss, but gaining even more to the level they already have and achieved. It's simply the "winner's mentality" that goes forward to get what it wants while on the other side, avoiding loss and fearing it becomes the "loser's mentality".

So no matter how logical and rational we think we are, all of our interpretations come from our mindsets, but our mindsets get built first of all by our emotions.

Those who don't have their focus on results usually prefer to measure their success on a timely basis rather than actual results.

They trick their own mind into thinking they achieved something instead of looking at the harsh reality. And it's an incredibly unproductive and self fooling mentality. The actual value of your practice is always equal to the results you got.

And Winners will not consider prevailing getting worse as a good result. A good result is always progress, even if it's only by an inch.

And interestingly, if you take the mindset of only looking at the results when measuring the worth of your practice, you will actually lose track of how much time or energy you put into it.

It can allow you to practice even more than you ever did before or even less because you focus on the right thing, which creates progress and lets you achieve your goals a lot faster.

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Now, here we will talk about the 90% consistency rule which is actually the secret to making any skill consistent.

It's been said that most non-naturals believe that in order to get a skill really consistent, the only option is to rehearse it over and over again no matter how repetitive or boring it is.

The problem is, even if you keep practicing the same move for weeks, month, or years, it won't seem to get really that consistent. So to avoid wasting time and energy, we are going to dive deeper into the principle that took me a lot of time and energy to clarify and make it really clear and sharp.

And with the mindset of this technique alone, I really believe that you will be able to not only avoid rehearsing boring routines, but progress at least 3X faster.

And I named this principle the "90% Consistency Rule". It's a rule that a lot of my principles are built on and it goes like this... In order to make a move or skill consistent, it's necessary to understand that there's a 90% rule to learning anything.

By learning a movement or skill, usually the first 90% of learning it is going to be relatively quick compared to how much time it takes to learn it to a 100%.

However, it's the last 10-20%, which creates most of the problems when it comes to really learning it.

And that very end, that last 10% of a skill can take often twice or as much as three times, more time and energy than it took reaching the first 90% of learning it.

Now, how is that possible? Why would the last 10% take three or more times as much energy and time than the first 90% did?

Why does progress seem not only to slow down, but get literally hand-braked as you get closer to your goal?

Now it gets hand-braked because of one simple reason...

As you advance in your skill and get better and better at the move, which at the beginning demanded all of your concentration and challenged all of your skills to its maximum state, it simultaneously also started to get less and less challenging and less and less demanding...

And because it got less and less challenging, the need for "adaptation" got lower and lower the BETTER you actually became.

What naturals usually would do, instead of spending three times as much time to get that last 10% handled, they would just learn a 2nd move that is slightly more difficult but similar in nature to the 1st move, and try to get the first 90% learned in the 2nd move, which would keep their skill challenged to the maximum amount.

Now once they've practiced and reached 90% in the 2nd move, they would come back to the one they wanted to get consistent earlier, before the easier skill.

And that way, working on the last 10% of that move almost just solved itself and needs almost just a little polishing. By coming from something much harder to something easier with very little practice, the 1st move easily became 100% consistent.

And that's what I named the "Two steps forward, one step back method" of consistency.

After that, they go on to the 3rd move and reach 90% of that 3rd move before going back to completed the last 10% of the 2nd move. 

And so it goes without ever having an end to your skill evolution. There's always going to be another newer skill in order to improve in because it's a game with infinite levels.

4. Be street smart

Success in games and in life requires more than just book smarts or technical skills. One must also have street smarts, the ability to navigate complex social situations and make quick, savvy decisions in the face of uncertainty and adversity. In this article, we'll explore some strategies for developing your street smarts and winning in games and in life.


Be cautious of developing blind obedience

Society, organizations, systems, and families have certain expectations of individuals and train them to be obedient to these expectations. However, it is important to be aware of the dangers of becoming blindly obedient and losing independent thought. Being street smart means being able to exercise independent judgment and critical thinking to navigate complex social situations. Blindly conforming to societal and systemic expectations can limit one's potential and lead to missed opportunities. Only by remaining aware and questioning the rules and norms imposed by society, one can develop street smarts.

Get out of your comfort zone

One of the best ways to develop your street smarts is to push yourself out of your comfort zone and try new things. This could mean traveling to a new city or country, attending a social event where you don't know anyone, or trying a new sport or activity that challenges you physically and mentally.

By putting yourself in unfamiliar situations, you'll be forced to adapt and think on your feet. You'll learn how to read people and situations quickly and develop a sense of confidence and self-assurance that will serve you well in both games and life.


Learn from experience

Street smarts are often gained through experience, so it's important to reflect on your past experiences and learn from them. Think about situations where you made good decisions and situations where you made mistakes. What factors led to your success or failure? How can you apply these lessons to future situations?

For example, if you're a competitive gamer, think about matches where you won and matches where you lost. What strategies did you use in each situation, and how effective were they? By analyzing your past experiences, you'll be better equipped to make quick, informed decisions in future games and in life.


Be observant

Developing your street smarts also requires a keen sense of observation. Pay attention to the people and situations around you, and look for patterns and trends. Watch how people interact with each other, and try to read their body language and facial expressions. This will help you to better understand their motivations and intentions.

In games and sports, this could mean studying your opponent's gameplay or strategy and adapting your own approach accordingly. In life, it could mean picking up on social cues and adjusting your behavior to better fit the situation.


Trust your instincts

Street smarts are often associated with intuition, or the ability to make quick, gut-level decisions based on limited information. While intuition can be a powerful tool, it's important to balance it with logic and reason.

In games and sports, this means trusting your instincts when you're in the moment but also taking the time to analyze your options and make informed decisions. In life, it means listening to your gut but also considering the facts and making decisions based on what's best for you and those around you.


Broadening your horizons 

Exposing yourself to different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. This could mean traveling to different countries, reading books or watching documentaries about different cultures, or participating in activities outside of your comfort zone. By expanding your horizons, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the world around you and become more open-minded and adaptable. You'll also be better equipped to handle unfamiliar situations and make informed decisions in games and in life.

To conclude, the development of street smarts is a vital component for success in both games and life. By stepping out of your comfort zone, reflecting on your experiences, staying observant, trusting your intuition and broadening your horizons, you'll be better equipped to navigate complex social situations and make quick, savvy decisions in the face of uncertainty and adversity.

5. Master How to Attract Good Luck

Have you ever noticed that in both games and life, the difference in ability between players is often marginal, yet success is far from evenly distributed? This phenomenon is known as the Pareto principle or the 80/20 rule. The best in any area reap exponential rewards and are considered winners in their respective markets.

For example, a gold medalist who ran one millisecond faster than the silver medalist will receive ten times more benefits. Companies that face high-stakes lawsuits will seek out the best possible lawyers, regardless of the cost. Similarly, a surgeon who performs 10% better than average can charge more than 10% higher fees. The winners take all the attention, and their accomplishments are highly regarded.

Let's take a look at the bestselling books in October 2009. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks was the runner-up to The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown, which was at the top of the New York Times Best Seller list. The Last Song's sales at 120,000 copies that week, an impressive feat considering that most best sellers sell in the range of 3,000 to 5,000 copies a week. However, The Lost Symbol, only a single position higher, sold a whopping 1.2 million copies. The difference in sales had nothing to do with the authors' ability but rather showcased the boundless potential for success.

So, what sets the top performers apart from the rest? How do we explain that despite only the marginal difference in ability, some can enjoy a disproportionate amount of success compared to others? 

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In 2022, a group of researchers received the Ig Nobel Prize in Economics for their study into this question. The researchers simulated a population of 1000 individuals in a virtual world, each with a given fixed talent expressed as a real number between 0 and 1. They also assigned each individual an initial capital of $10, representing their success, and simulated 40 years of their lifetime.

During this simulation, the individuals were exposed to randomly moving luck events represented by green points, as well as accidents represented by red points. When an individual meet the green dot, i.e. lucky event, the probability of successfully exploiting that lucky event equal to their talent level. If they are successful, their capital will be doubled. Conversely, if they meet the red dot, i.e. accidents, their capital will be halved.

The researchers found that even with these simple dynamics, they were able to reproduce the Pareto law, which is an asymmetric fat-tail power law distribution of capital. This means that a great number of individuals in their simulation were poor, while only a small number were increasingly rich.

However, they also found that talent and capital were not correlated. The most successful individuals with the highest final capital had talent levels around the mean, while the most talented individuals ended up with very small capital amounts close to zero units.

The researchers also found that the most successful individuals were also the luckiest, having met the highest number of opportunities during their lives. The less successful individuals were also the most unlucky, experiencing a great number of accidents.

This result tells us that in order to win, not only do we need to improve our abilities and skills, we also need to work hard on attracting good luck. The question now is, how do we attract good luck? For this, we will look to Richard Wiseman and  Albert-László Barabási for answers.

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Richard Wiseman conducted a study where he gave both lucky and unlucky (in their own mind) people a newspaper, and asked them to look through it and tell him how many photographs were inside.

On average, the unlucky people took about two minutes to count the photographs whereas the lucky people took just seconds. Why? Because the second page of the newspaper contained the message “Stop counting — There are 43 photographs in this newspaper.”

This message took up half of the page and was written in type that was over two inches high. It was staring everyone straight in the face, but the unlucky people tended to miss it and the lucky people tended to spot it.

Just for fun, he placed a second large message half way through the newspaper. This one announced: “Stop counting, tell the experimenter you have seen this and win $250.” Again, the unlucky people missed the opportunity because they were still too busy looking for photographs.

The personality tests revealed that unlucky people are generally much more tense and anxious than lucky people, and research has shown that anxiety disrupts people’s ability to notice the unexpected.

They go to parties intent on finding their perfect partner and so miss opportunities to make good friends. They look through newspapers determined to find certain type of job advertisements and as a result miss other types of jobs. Lucky people are more relaxed and open, and therefore see what is there rather than just what they are looking for.

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Hence, from this and other studies, Wiseman came up with four techniques to attract good luck:

The first technique is to maximize opportunities. Lucky people experiment with new things and act on possibilities, while unlucky people analyze things to death and never take action. Start small, keep trying new things, figure out what works and what doesn't, and iterate based on feedback.

The second technique is to trust your intuition. Intuition is not magic. When you have knowledge in a field, intuition happens when your subconscious brain has found a pattern that you haven't consciously seen. Unlucky people have those feelings too, but they don't act on them because they are too preoccupied with other things.

The third technique is to be ready for good luck, which simply means being optimistic. Optimism gives lucky people more "grit," allowing them to persevere when things get tough. While pessimists have a more accurate view of the world, optimists are more likely to be lucky since their assumptions lead them to possibilities.

The fourth technique is to turn bad luck into good luck. Lucky people find the good in bad things and believe that everything will work out for the best in the long run. They don't dwell on their bad luck and take steps to keep it from happening again. Giving up, feeling down, and shutting yourself off from the world won't help the world give you more opportunities. When things get tough, you can either give up or keep going. Lucky people are exceedingly resilient.

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Albert-László Barabási's book Formula also provides insights into the role of networks in attracting good luck. His first law states that "Performance drives success, but when performance can't be measured, networks drive success". Having a strong network provides access to a wide range of opportunities, which can translate into good luck. People within a strong network can provide valuable advice, support, and connections, which can help an individual achieve their goals. Moreover, a strong network can open doors to new opportunities that may not have been available otherwise.

For example, consider two individuals with similar skills and experience applying for the same job. One of them has a strong network of contacts within the industry, while the other does not. The individual with the strong network is more likely to get the job because they have a better chance of getting a referral or a recommendation from someone within their network. We will elaborate more on the strategies of building a good network in a subsequent chapter.

Albert-László s third law states that "Previous success multiplied by fitness equals future success". For instance, consider a talented young athlete who begins their career with a few noteworthy wins. As they continue to succeed and gain recognition, they are likely to receive more attention from sponsors, coaches, and fans, which will increase their resources and opportunities. They may receive more funding, better training facilities, and access to top coaches and trainers. Additionally, their success may attract other talented athletes who want to train with them, further boosting their opportunities for success. Thus, to have a better chance of winning big in the future, we can start seeding ourselves with small successes and build our way up to bigger and bigger successes.

Albert-László Barabási's fifth law states that "With persistence success can come at any time". It means that success is a numbers game. The more you try, the more chances you have of achieving success. The concept is based on the probability theory that suggests that the more times you attempt something, the greater the likelihood of success. In this sense, persistence plays a crucial role in increasing the probability of success. To even have a chance of winning, you need to persist to keep playing. If you stop playing, you won't even have a chance in the first place.

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In conclusion, ability is bounded, but success is unbounded, and unbounded success is largely determined by luck. Hence, we need to place equal emphasis and effort on improving both our luck and our ability. We can improve luck by maximizing opportunities, trusting our intuition, being ready for good luck, turning bad luck into good luck, building a strong network, seeding small successes and keep trying persistently. Remember, success follows the Pareto principle, and a few individuals reap the majority of the rewards while the majority languish. But with these techniques, you can increase your chances of being among the few who have unbounded success.

6. Play the man, not the odds

In life and games, winning requires a combination of skill, strategy, and luck. However, focusing solely on the odds of success can be limiting, and often overlooks the importance of understanding and adapting to the individual or situation at hand. The key to success is to "play the man, not the odds."

Playing the man involves taking a personalized approach to achieve your desired outcome, rather than relying solely on the probability of success. It means being adaptable, strategic, and attentive to the individual or situation in front of you.

In games, this approach can be the difference between winning and losing. By understanding your opponent's strengths and weaknesses, you can adapt your strategy and capitalize on their mistakes. This may involve taking calculated risks, being flexible in your approach, and using your opponent's weaknesses to your advantage.

For example, in a game of chess, it's important to anticipate your opponent's moves and adapt your strategy accordingly. By playing the man, you can capitalize on your opponent's mistakes, such as leaving a piece undefended or falling into a well-known trap.

In life, playing the man can help you navigate challenges and achieve your goals. It involves understanding the motivations, strengths, and weaknesses of the people and situations you encounter, and using that information to tailor your approach.

For instance, in a job interview, taking a "play the man" approach involves researching the company and the interviewer, and tailoring your answers to their specific interests and concerns. By doing so, you can demonstrate your knowledge and interest in the company, making you a more attractive candidate.

So how can you apply a "play the man, not the odds" approach to achieve success? Here are some practical strategies:

Focus on the individual: Take the time to understand the person or situation you're facing, rather than relying solely on statistics or probability.

Be adaptable: Don't be afraid to change your approach if it's not working. Being adaptable means being willing to pivot when necessary and adjust your strategy to suit the situation.

Take calculated risks: Playing the man often involves taking calculated risks, such as making a bold move in a game or taking a chance on a new business opportunity. But it's important to balance risk with caution and ensure that you're making an informed decision.

Use your opponent's weaknesses to your advantage: In games, look for opportunities to exploit your opponent's weaknesses, whether it's a lack of skill or a tendency to make predictable moves. In life, use your knowledge of someone's weaknesses to build rapport and develop a relationship of trust.

Develop your skills: Whether it's a game or a life goal, developing your skills and knowledge is essential to success. The more you know, the better equipped you are to tackle challenges and take advantage of opportunities.

In conclusion, by "playing the man, not the odds," you can increase your chances of success in both games and life. By understanding and adapting to the individual or situation at hand, taking calculated risks, and developing your skills, you can achieve your goals and come out on top.

7. Surround yourself with the right people

We all know that success is not achieved in isolation. It takes a team of supporters, collaborators, and mentors to help us achieve our goals. In both games and life, the people we surround ourselves with can have a significant impact on our success. This is why it is essential to surround yourself with the right people, people who support your goals, challenge you to grow, and inspire you to be your best.

As entrepreneur Jim Rohn said, "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with." This means that the people you surround yourself with will have a significant impact on your mindset, behavior, and overall success. If you surround yourself with negative people who complain about their problems and are not motivated to achieve their goals, you may find yourself adopting the same mindset and behavior. However, if you surround yourself with positive, motivated, and ambitious people, you will be more likely to adopt their mindset and behavior.

In the context of games, the people you play with can also impact your success. If you play with people who are not as skilled as you, you may not be challenged enough to improve your skills. However, if you play with people who are better than you, you will be challenged to grow and improve your skills. This is why many successful athletes and gamers seek out challenging opponents and teammates to help them improve.

In life, your network can also impact your opportunities and success. If you surround yourself with people who have connections and resources, you may be more likely to receive opportunities and access to resources that can help you achieve your goals. However, if you surround yourself with people who have limited connections and resources, you may find yourself limited in your opportunities.

Take the example of Michael Jordan, who is widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Throughout his career, he surrounded himself with a team of coaches, trainers, and teammates who pushed him to be his best. Jordan's work ethic and commitment to excellence were infectious, and he inspired those around him to work just as hard.

On the other hand, surrounding yourself with the wrong people can lead to negative outcomes. For example, if you surround yourself with people who are unmotivated or negative, it can be difficult to stay motivated and positive yourself. In games, playing with teammates who are not committed or who have a negative attitude can drag down the entire team's performance. In life, surrounding yourself with people who do not share your values or who engage in unhealthy behaviors can lead to negative outcomes and hinder your progress.

For example Tiger Woods, who was one of the most dominant golfers in history, but his personal life was marred by scandal. Woods had numerous affairs while he was married, which led to the breakdown of his marriage and a significant decline in his performance on the course. Woods surrounded himself with people who enabled his infidelity, which ultimately led to his downfall.

In conclusion, surrounding yourself with the right people is essential to your success in both games and life. The people you surround yourself with will impact your mindset, behavior, and opportunities. As motivational speaker Les Brown said, "You don't have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great." Surround yourself with people who inspire you to get started and support you on your journey to greatness.

8. Expand your network

Networking is a crucial aspect of being successful. Building a strong network of contacts can provide you with valuable resources, insights, and support that can help you achieve your goals and aspirations.

Here are some ways networking contributes to success:

Access to new opportunities: Networking can provide you with access to new opportunities, whether it's finding a new job or discovering a new business venture. By building relationships with people in your industry or community, you can learn about upcoming opportunities and position yourself as a strong candidate.

Gain new perspectives: Networking can help you gain new perspectives and insights by connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. By expanding your network, you can learn about different industries, cultures, and ways of thinking that can help you develop a more well-rounded approach to your goals.

Build a support system: Networking can provide you with a support system of like-minded individuals who can offer advice, mentorship, and guidance. By building strong relationships, you can create a community that supports you through both the ups and downs of pursuing success.

Develop new skills: Networking can help you develop new skills by learning from others in your network. By attending events, joining groups, or connecting with people on social media, you can gain new perspectives and knowledge that can help you achieve your goals.

Now that you understand the benefits of networking, here are some strategies to help you network successfully:

Attend events: Attend networking events in your community to meet new people and learn about new opportunities. Take advantage of the opportunity to introduce yourself to new contacts and exchange contact information.

Use social media: Use social media platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter to connect with professionals or individuals who share your interests. Engage with others by commenting on their posts and sharing relevant content.

Join groups or associations: Join groups or associations related to your interests or goals to network with like-minded individuals. Participate in discussions, attend events, and volunteer for leadership roles to build strong relationships.

Offer value: Offer value to your contacts by sharing your knowledge, resources, or experience. By being helpful, you can build trust and develop strong relationships.

Follow up: After meeting someone new, follow up with them to continue building the relationship. Send an email or connect with them on social media to stay in touch.

Be authentic: Be yourself and be authentic when networking. People can tell when someone is not being genuine, and this can harm your chances of building meaningful relationships.

In conclusion, networking is an essential tool for achieving success in various areas of life. By attending events, using social media, joining groups or associations, offering value, following up, and being authentic, you can build a strong network of contacts that can help you achieve your goals and aspirations. Remember, networking is not just about what others can do for you, but what you can do for others. By building strong relationships and being a valuable resource, you can create a mutually beneficial network that can support you throughout your journey towards success.

9. Lead your Team

Teamwork is one of the most critical components in winning a team game. We must have the Team Mindset in order to function well together. Before we get to the Team Mindset, it's vital to understand the two mindsets that seriously undermine it: MVP Mindset and Blaming Mindset.

MVP Mindset is the desire to be the Star Player, to achieve the most kills and to cause the most damage, even if it means leaving teammates behind and without backup. While some players achieve success with the MVP Mindset, they regularly lose matches that they might have won if they had concentrated on winning as a team.

The Blaming Mindset is the tendency to blame teammates when anything goes wrong. People with a Blaming Mindset will be oblivious to their own faults while harming the morale and harmony of the entire team. A team with low morale and dissension has a substantially lower probability of winning.

Team Mindset

When a player plays with the goal of winning as a team rather than as the MVP, he or she is exhibiting the Team Mindset. So, how do you go about playing with a Team Mindset?

It all starts with Team Awareness, or knowing where your teammates are and whether they need assistance. By focusing on knowing where your teammates are, you'll be able to better know when to come in and aid them with a kill, assist them in falling back safely rather than being taken out, and know if a flank is coming.

A player with the MVP Mindset will just focus on himself, whereas a player with the Team Mindset will strive to focus on their teammates. When you pay attention to your teammates, you'll recognize when it's time to come offer them an Assist or assist them in killing an adversary. It's obvious that two is always stronger than one and that three is always stronger than two. You may swiftly shift the tide of a fight in your favor by joining up with teammates on hostile players to aid them.

The Four Pillars of Teamwork

Team awareness is incredibly adaptable; it may be employed in any team game, whether temporary or permanent. However. To win in a game with permanent teams, your collaboration must be so great that you can mind-read each other in the game. The points below will assist you in bringing your teamwork to the next level.

a) Encourage your teammates. You are making your colleagues worse if you are not improving them. Players must motivate their teammates by setting a good example of excitement, encouragement, and hard effort.

b) Have faith in your teammates. You must have faith that your colleagues understand, accept, and embrace their roles. When you give them the additional pass, you must be completely certain that they will be in position on defense and that they will make the shot.

c) Support your colleagues. A team is like a family. Would you allow someone to pick on your younger sibling at the park? If your teammate ever finds themselves in a dilemma, whether in or out of the game, they need to know you've got their back.

d) Challenge your teammates. Competition amongst teammates is invaluable. It draws the best out of everyone. It is selfish to not challenge your teammates during practice.

Leadership

Aside from strong teamwork, every team should have a leader to direct the team toward a common goal. A team without a captain is a plate of sand with little hope of winning. A dumb leader who doesn't know what he's doing, on the other hand, will lead a squad to its demise. As a result, the following suggestions, culled from Google's Project Oxygen and autobiographies of Navy Seal commanders, can help you if you find yourself in a leadership position.

a) Has a clear vision and strategy

The challenge with leading any group is that everyone has their own ideas. You must have a clear vision and plan in order to unify and concentrate your team like a laser on a single goal. Have the fortitude to stay unwavering while everything is falling apart.

b) Have humility and mental agility

A strong leader must also be mentally agile enough to change their strategy when it isn't working. Be modest and adaptable enough to aggressively solicit criticism and other points of view. Involve your team in decision-making, but be wary of groupthink traps. Take their good ideas, ignore their negative ones, and make revisions as needed. The ultimate strategic vision must be created by you and only you.

c) Communicate clearly - Commander's Intent

Great leaders not only know where they're heading, but they also make sure the rest of the team does. Make it clear what your Commander's intent is. The Commander's Intent is your strategy's logic and how you envisage the game at the end of a successful mission. Only after you've communicated your Commander's Intent can you set expectations for what particular activities are required to carry out your plan, as well as each team member's responsibility in delivering. Finally, everyone must understand both the 'why' of your choice and the 'how' to complete their duties.

d) Empower team and does not micromanage

Speed and flexibility — the capacity to move and make judgments faster than the opponent — are key factors in every game. Your crew will be able to take initiative, improvise, and adapt to any shifting circumstance thanks to your Commander's Intent. They are also self-sufficient and capable of functioning on their own. This is the approach of Controlled Chaos. Your players will be elusive and unstoppable with the spirit of your approach imbued in them.

One thing to keep in mind is that you should never, ever scold your team for taking initiative while pursuing your purpose, even if the outcome is mediocre. Instead, the initiative should be recognized and rewarded. Always have a strong inclination toward action, since the opposite is indecision, which is catastrophic.

e) Be strong

Great leaders take charge. They have character fortitude that allows them to bear shocks in stride. They make difficult judgments and then commit to carrying them through.

Keep your anxieties and vulnerabilities to yourself: Strong leaders are more followed and respected than vulnerable leaders. You don't have to be a chilly robot. You may even open up and discuss about your life or reveal a glimpse of your emotional self at times. When you do it from a place of total strength, it will feel exceptional since you will be actually believing your reporting. People, on the other hand, admire and follow strength and determination. During the storm, be the lighthouse. 

f) Be inspiring

Motivating and maintaining morale in your team by persuading people to focus less about themselves and more about the group. Give your team a sense of purpose by providing them with a vision that will make them feel like they are contributing to something bigger than themselves. Allow your soldiers to see you in the trenches making sacrifices for the cause. It is not enough to simply share your idea; you must also demonstrate that you sincerely believe in it. Transform your game into a crusade.

Create the team myth. Teams that have been challenged in war have the best morale. Players that have battled together for several games form a type of team myth based on their previous successes. Living up to the group's heritage and reputation becomes a source of pride. You must lead your squad into as many games as possible to generate this myth. It is best to begin with little battles that they can win to boost their confidence. Only success will bring the team together. Create symbols and slogans that correspond to the myth. Your team will desire to be a part of something.

g) Take Extreme Ownership

Great leaders take ultimate ownership—Extreme Ownership—not only of what they are accountable for, but of everything that has an influence on their objective. These leaders take no responsibility. They didn't make any justifications. Rather than moaning about difficulties or failures, they devised solutions and addressed issues. They used assets, connections, and resources to complete the task. Their egos were subordinated to the task and their team. These leaders were true leaders.

h) Elevate your team

The finest leaders improve people around them. They see the potential of their teams and utilize emotional intelligence to inspire and assist them in reaching their full potential. A competent coach avoids the temptation of immediately correcting every problem for their squad. Rather, they exploit these difficulties as teaching opportunities. They provide guidance and offer insights at the appropriate times, allowing their team to gain significant experience along the road.

i) Care for team's success and well-being

Great leaders prioritize the development of trust in their teams. In a team with high psychological safety, teammates feel secure taking risks in the presence of their teammates. They have faith that no one in the team would shame or penalize anybody else for admitting a mistake, asking a question, or proposing a new idea. They also do not hold back their people for personal gain. Rather, they assist team members in reaching their objectives.

j) Don't be afraid of using tough love

Begin with a more forceful style and gradually mellow down. First impressions are crucial. They establish the expectations and baseline for future behavior. If you start out too democratic and affiliative, people will expect all decisions to be democratic and open to debate.

Democratic leadership is fantastic, especially when dealing with highly competent groups. If that's all you can do, it can become a problem when you need to switch to a more forceful style. It's far better to start with a slightly more authoritarian tone. When you transition to a more democratic style, you will feel as if you have been "won over" by the greatness of your team. And if you have to lay down the law again now and then, it will feel natural.

When necessary, be angry or harsh, but do so with compassion. If they are still unrepentant, remove them as soon as possible for the sake of the entire team - rotten apples spoil the bunch. Tough love is required for results.

How to become a leader?

Those who attempt to "take the group by storm" are unlikely to become leaders. This is due to the fact that strong leadership candidates rely on the group's support. When overly dominant individuals try to impose their will, they fail to bond with and gain the acceptance of the other members.

What do future leaders do instead?

They start out as followers. Of course, these are not subservient, "hide in the corner" types of followers. They are enthusiastic followers. They contribute to debates, bond and connect with members, and, of course, they take on tasks and provide value to the group. In summary, prospective leaders begin as excellent group members.

But that is what many people do, even many who do not go on to become future leaders. The ability to learn and take notes distinguishes future leaders. During this time, they lay the groundwork for their future leadership. They learn everything they can about the group's history, culture, identity, and power structures.

Attempt to be consonant with and comparable to the group. Make an effort to be liked by the current leadership. The effective future leader embraces and internalizes the rules, values, and objectives of the group. Don't strive to stand out or be distinct from the crowd. Instead, participates in the group's shared culture and identity as one of its best members. As you assist the organization and its members in moving forward, your influence over the group will gradually grow.

10. Play a bigger game

"Finite players play within boundaries; infinite players play with boundaries." ~James P. Carse

In life, we often find ourselves playing games. Some games are finite, with clear rules and objectives. Others are infinite, with no end goal, no clear winners or losers. According to philosopher James Carse, author of "Finite and Infinite Games," understanding the difference between these two types of games can help us live more fulfilling lives.

When it comes to winning in games and in life, it's important to recognize that playing a bigger game than your opponent can lead to greater success and satisfaction. In a finite game, the goal is to win, to beat your opponent. In an infinite game, the goal is to keep playing, to keep the game going. As Carse puts it, "A finite game is played for the purpose of winning, an infinite game for the purpose of continuing the play."

As Simon Sinek, a leadership expert, said, "The goal is not to beat your competition, but to outlast them." Look at what occurred to the United States during the Vietnam War. Despite winning almost all of the decisive engagements, America lost the war. The reason for this is that America was fighting to win, but the North Vietnamese were fighting to keep fighting, or to survive. America eventually ran out of will or resources to stay in the game and fell out.

When we focus solely on winning, we limit ourselves. We may win the current game, but we also limit our potential for growth and development. We become fixated on the outcome and lose sight of the process. On the other hand, when we play an infinite game, we are focused on improving ourselves and the game as a whole. We are not limited by the constraints of a single game.

Playing a bigger game than your opponent means focusing on the infinite game. It means looking beyond the current game and thinking about the future. It means playing for the long term, rather than the short term. As Carse writes, "To be prepared against surprise is to be trained. To be prepared for surprise is to be educated."

Take the example of Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX and Tesla. Musk is playing a bigger game than his competitors. He is not just trying to build a successful car or rocket company; he is trying to change the world. He wants to make humanity a multi-planetary species and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. By playing an infinite game, Musk is able to think bigger and achieve more than his competitors.

Another example is found in sports. Athletes who focus solely on winning the next game or match may succeed in the short term, but those who focus on improving themselves and their team over time are the ones who achieve long-term success. As NBA player Kobe Bryant once said, "I'm chasing perfection. If I fall short, I'm chasing excellence."

In conclusion, playing a bigger game than your opponent is essential for success and fulfillment in both games and life. By focusing on the infinite game, we are able to grow and develop beyond the constraints of any single game or competition. As Carse notes, "The only true winning move is not to play the game that has been given to you, but to invent a new one that makes all other games irrelevant." So, don't just play to win the current game. Play so that you can learn about principles like perseverance, commitment, and confidence, and use those lessons to win in Life.

11. Develop an alternate personality

In the realm of sports psychology, developing an alternate personality often involves creating a mental persona or adopting a specific mindset to enhance performance. While the specifics can vary based on individual preferences and the demands of a particular sport or game, here are some general examples:

The Confident Competitor:

Athletes may develop an alternate persona characterized by unwavering confidence. This personality is self-assured, resilient in the face of challenges, and exudes a positive attitude. The athlete embodies this persona to boost self-belief and overcome self-doubt.

The Ice-Cold Strategist:

Some athletes prefer to adopt a persona that is cool, calm, and collected under pressure. This personality is focused on strategic thinking and rational decision-making, helping the athlete stay composed in critical situations.

The Energized Warrior:

This persona involves creating a character full of energy, enthusiasm, and passion. Athletes adopting this personality channel heightened excitement and motivation, using the energy to fuel their physical performance and inspire teammates.

The Zen Master:

Athletes may develop an alternate personality centered around tranquility and mindfulness. This persona is calm under pressure, able to stay focused on the present moment, and is not easily swayed by external distractions.

The Fearless Gladiator:

This personality embodies fearlessness and a willingness to take risks. Athletes adopting the fearless gladiator persona embrace challenges head-on, displaying a bold and daring approach that can be advantageous in situations requiring courage.

The Relentless Pursuer:

Athletes may create a personality marked by persistence and determination. This persona helps them stay focused on long-term goals, push through fatigue, and maintain a strong work ethic during training and competition.

The Resilient Bounce-Back Specialist:

Some athletes develop a persona that emphasizes resilience and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. This personality is crucial for overcoming failures quickly, learning from mistakes, and maintaining a positive outlook in the face of adversity.

The Precision Artist:

This persona is characterized by precision and attention to detail. Athletes adopting this mindset focus on executing skills with meticulous accuracy, whether it's a precise shot in golf or a perfectly timed pass in team sports.

The Team Captain:

In team sports, athletes may adopt a leadership-oriented persona, embodying the qualities of a team captain. This personality involves effective communication, motivation, and a strong sense of responsibility towards the team's success.

The Playmaker:

Athletes in games that require creativity and strategic thinking may develop a playmaker persona. This involves a mindset geared toward making key decisions, setting up plays, and orchestrating the flow of the game.

The Fearless Monster:

This alternate personality embodies a fearless and intimidating presence on the field or court. The athlete adopting this persona taps into their inner "monster," displaying aggression, tenacity, and a dominating demeanor. The Fearless Monster thrives in physical and high-contact sports, channeling controlled aggression to overpower opponents. This mindset helps the athlete maintain a strong and assertive posture, instilling fear in opponents and establishing dominance on the playing field.

It's essential to understand that these personas are mental constructs and not separate personalities in a clinical sense. Athletes use these personas as mental tools to optimize their mindset for improved performance in sports and games. The effectiveness of these strategies depends on the individual and the specific demands of the sport or game.