Whose Rules Are You Playing By?
Mindset Monday
Takeaway: Understanding the rules of the game you’re playing is crucial. Even more important, is understanding what rules don’t exist that you’re arbitrarily following. Eliminate the rules that needlessly limit your potential and watch yourself outperform everyone else.
When you think about achieving success, there are really only two sets of rules that have to be followed:
Laws not to be broken.
Values not to be violated.
Outside of this, everything else is a free-for-all.
Stop confining yourself to made-up barriers.
Take this example:
I recently visited an arcade. I played one of those basketball games, where the goal is to make as many baskets as you can in an allotted time.
I’m no basketball player, but I can usually beat those who have a lot more shooting experience than me.
Experienced basketball players play by the rules of basketball. They shoot with good form, set up their shot, and try to replicate a free throw.
But this isn’t a basketball game. The rules are different. To win at the arcade game, you need to consider two variables: the accuracy of your shots and the speed of picking up the next ball.
The best free throw form doesn’t factor in quickly picking up another basketball, and so for this particular game it is disadvantageous.
My shot looks nothing like a free throw. It’s a one-handed toss while my other hand reaches for the next ball. With muscle memory I can turn my body into an assembly line, each arm with one very specific task.
With this technique I can usually keep my own, whereas on an actual basketball court I would get the floor wiped with my inability.
Understanding the rules of the game you’re playing is crucial. Even more important, is understanding what rules don’t exist that you’re arbitrarily following.
Eliminate the rules that needlessly limit your potential and watch yourself outperform everyone else.
~ Coach Alex