Playing Not to Lose

Playing Not to Lose

This can't be denied.  That we're all deployed in long-running games.  You don't even need to know playing Chess, Checkers, Dominoes or even Mahjong.  We're all tied to our lives which are running a lifetime of games.  Hence this thread because it is worrisome to see some of us Playing Not to Lose because that's not the mindset we recommend and expect if only to survive.

Are you aware in what situations [or games] are you most effective and likely to excel ?  And what factors strengthen [or undermine] your motivation ?  Oh well, there is no one size that fits all because PERSONALITY MATTERS.  Thing is, motivational focus affects how we approach life's challenges and demands.  Promotion-focused people see their goals as a CREATING A PATH to gain or an advancement abd concentrate on the rewards that will accrue when they achieve them.  They are the ones eager as they PLAY TO WIN.   Downside is, all the chance taking, speedy working and positive thinking makes these individuals more error-prone, less likely to think things through and usually unprepared with a Plan B if things go wrong.

On the other hand, prevention-focused people see their goals as their responsibilities, and they remain focused at it.  They often worry what might go wrong if they don't work hard enough or aren't careful enough.  They tend to be vigilant and play NOT TO LOSE, to hang on to what they have, to maintain the STATUS QUO.  They are often more risk averse, but their work is more thorough and accurate enough.

Although everyone is concerned at various times with both promotion and prevention type of personalities, most of us do have a dominant motivational focus.  it affects what we pay attention to, what we value, and how we feel when we succeed or fail.  It determines our strengths and weaknesses as well.  And this explains why the decisions and preferences  of differently focused people can seem odd at times.

Now for the harsh reality.  To play merely to participate is SELF-DEAFEATING.  It is a recipe of MEDIOCRITY.  The thing is, WINNING is all that matters in life and in fact, it is the ultimate criterion of SUCCESS.  Bluntly, if you want to wake up come next day simply because of it, you're positioning one foot into the precipice of failure.  But do you really deserve to lose after PLAYING NOT TO LOSE❓❓❓