Playing cards for fun this Diwali season got me thinking…
In a large part leadership is about fearlessness. How does playing cards help you understand your fears and hence conquer them. The ability to stand tall, stay put, believe in yourself and stay in the game inspite of all odds. When the chips are falling.. When they are piling… This got me thinking about my own fears… What holds me back from doubling my bets ? What would happen if I doubled up and then lost everything ? After all the stakes were not that high….. All I would lose would be the amount spent in a routine dinner outing. Why does the thought of losing suck so much and feel so terrible that we hold ourselves back….There are always a few of those odd ball players that are willing to risk every game to feel the high of that one big hand… Them I envy.
I figured if I could convince myself that the purpose of playing was to be more in the moment and listen to my gut as I play the game .. It is to embrace the losses and revel in the joy of a game well played, no matter by whom .. would be a good lesson learnt from this Diwali season. Acknowledging the fear that arises from losing.. Calling out that ego that wants to win so bad that we are worthwhile lucky blessed fulfilled if we won. What would it take to feel like this on losing ?