How To Treat Life Like a Computer Game to Level Up in The Game Of Life
Are we living in a Simulation? A complex computer game? Have we unknowingly taken up residence in the Matrix? Are we simply characters in a sophisticated virtual universe? Maybe…. I’ve seen way too many NPCs in my life to think so…. But, probably not.
Regardless, here’s a thought: while many of us struggle to navigate the game of life, we often prove to be incredibly competent when maneuvering through the intricate realms of computer games. We’re somehow able to maintain hours of intense concentration, exhibit rigorous discipline, and harness exceptional skill to defeat formidable adversaries, complete complex tasks and amass digital riches. So, why do we stumble when translating these strategies into real life? What if we treated life like the ultimate computer game, transforming it into a collection of tasks, levels, achievements, and rewards?
This might seem like a strange parallel at first, but the concept of viewing life through the lens of a gamer can provide a fresh perspective and unique strategies for managing life’s intricate challenges…
Navigating through life’s joys, challenges, and complexities can sometimes feel like navigating an intricate game. This comparison might initially seem unusual, but viewing life through the lens of a gamer can provide a fresh perspective and unique strategies for tackling life’s challenges.
The Concept: Life as a Game
What if we treated life like the ultimate computer game, transforming it into a collection of tasks, levels, achievements, and rewards?
Like characters navigating game environments, we traverse the landscape of life, learning rules, confronting obstacles, making strategic decisions, and progressively moving toward our goals. While the stakes in life are undoubtedly higher and consequences more significant, the parallels drawn between gaming and real life can provide useful insights into managing life’s complexities and challenges.
Learning from Failure: Respawn in Life
Failure in video games is typically a temporary setback, a learning opportunity that aids the quest for victory. For example, a gamer might fail a mission several times in a game like Grand Theft Auto, but each failure provides valuable lessons about what strategies work and what don’t. Similarly, real-life failures, like losing a job or failing a test, can be viewed as opportunities for growth and learning rather than permanent setbacks. Adopting this resilient mindset can encourage us to bounce back stronger, better prepared for future challenges.
Strategic Risk-Taking: Calculated Moves in The Game of Life
Consider a player strategizing in a game of chess, evaluating the potential risk and reward of each move. This element of strategic risk-taking can translate to real life, leading to significant growth and achievements. Whether it’s investing in a new business, relocating for a job, or trying a new hobby, informed risks can potentially bring great rewards. The trick lies in making considered decisions, weighing the potential benefits against the drawbacks, and preparing for different outcomes.
Practice Makes Perfect: Leveling Up
Gamers understand the value of repetition and practice. A gamer playing Dark Souls, known for its high difficulty, repeatedly faces formidable foes to learn their patterns and perfect their strategy. In life, we can apply this same principle to master various fields. For example, you might not be a natural at public speaking or playing the piano, but with continuous practice, your skills will improve. The “practice makes perfect” principle can lead to mastery over time.
Life’s Progression: Levels and Milestones
Many games, like Super Mario Bros., are organized into levels, each presenting unique challenges and rewards. Conquering one level prepares the player for the next, similar to how each life phase, task, or significant event prepares us for future challenges. Completing a college course, finishing a project at work, or even mastering a new recipe can be viewed as ‘leveling up.’ Tracking these ‘levels’ completed can provide a sense of achievement and progression.
Managing Life’s Resources: A Points System
Games often involve resource management. Players juggle health, skills, or money to succeed, similar to managing critical resources in real life. For instance, maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise can be likened to managing ‘health points,’ while managing finances can be akin to handling ‘money points.’ By creating personal ‘point systems,’ like rewarding ‘health points’ for days sticking to a fitness regimen, or ‘money points’ for successful savings, we can make managing these resources more engaging and motivating.
A New Life Philosophy in The Real Game of Life
Embracing these gaming strategies can guide us toward a “Gaming Philosophy of Life.” This perspective views life as a complex game filled with ‘levels’ to conquer, skills to master, and points to earn. It motivates us to see failures as stepping stones toward success, challenges as opportunities for growth, and life milestones as levels to complete.
However, we must remember that life, unlike a game, is unpredictable, and doesn’t always adhere to a set of fixed rules.
While this philosophy doesn’t aim to oversimplify life’s complexities, it offers a framework for navigating life’s challenges with resilience, systematic thinking, and a growth mindset.
In conclusion, viewing life as a game may provide fresh perspectives and effective strategies to navigate our life journey. Whether we’re learning from failures, taking strategic risks, practicing to level up our skills, or managing our life’s points, the game of life continues. And remember, just as in any game, success comes with understanding the rules, learning from each move, and continually striving to improve.
