Reader, it may be cold outside, but it's cozy in here. Thanks for welcoming me back.

The end of last year brought several fabulous new clients.

As their thought partner and trusted advisor, I prioritize understanding them and finding the most relatable ways to convey ideas.

This frequently occurs as in-the-moment inspiration.

Occasionally,, it seeds an idea in my head that has lasting power.

This one is taking up a lot of real estate as a transformative frame, and I'd like to test-drive it with you.

Are you game, Reader? Give it a read, and let me know your thoughts.

I am the Atari generation.

Pac-man, Donkey Kong, and Space Invaders were among the arcade games I would play with my friends.

I had some of the first home gaming products - Pong, Tetrus, etc.

The interesting thing about gaming is that you know you will not win, yet you have no less enthusiasm to play repeatedly.

The goals are besting your top score, achieving a new level, and grabbing more premium power-ups.

So, as I was talking with a new executive navigating the endless challenges of leadership, I presented him with this idea: Embrace the Gamers' Mindset.

Take a minute and let that idea settle, Reader.

What would it mean to you in your work, and even in your life, to move forward knowing you would stumble, make errors, miss valuable opportunities, and yet rebound to fight another day without losing motivation or hope?

Would you take more risks?

Would you have more fun?

Would you be less hyper-critical?

Would you be more flexible and forgiving?

If I have your attention, stick with me a few paragraphs more, and let's dive into the secrets of addicting video games that we can steal.

The Psychology of Gaming

Games use intermittent rewards, such as points, tokens, prices, etc. (hello, B.F. Skinner). They provide increasingly challenging obstacles and greater rewards that produce an irresistible dopamine "hit."

Games foster emotional connection and the freedom to be yourself without restriction. They fuel our inherent need for autonomy and competence. Mastering each level motivates us to keep going, and the player decides the path to take and how to solve each challenge.

Finally, games include feedback loops, such as scoring and progress bars, to keep the player chasing the next level.

All of this adds up to resilience. Instead of giving up after a disappointing performance or getting caught up in negative self-talk, players hit the play again button, intending to apply everything they've learned during previous attempts to better their progress in the game or score.

Gaming activates your growth mindset - believing that effort and persistence can improve capacities and talents.

Reader, pause and take in that difference in mindset.

How often at work are the following your experiences?

• Beating yourself up for not knowing
• Feeling embarrassed and withdrawing after an error
• Talking yourself out of trying
• Embracing perfection as the only acceptable standard

The truth is all of these are internally held stories that you have the opportunity to change because these are the other stories you could choose to believe:

• If I am always successful, I'm not challenging myself enough
• If I am not feeling uncomfortable, I'm not learning new things
• Not only can I recover from my errors, but I can be stronger for having experienced them
• It is not stressful; it is invigorating
• I'm not failing; I'm gaining key insights that will help me in the future
• Imperfection is part of the path to success

I told you last week that I am embracing this year as a year of change, and a big part of this is embracing a gamer's mindset.

Care to join me? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Have an extraordinary week!

🥰New Keynotes for the New Year 🥰

Reader, have an event in mind for one of these talks?

As a special thank you, please allow me to gift you a 90 minutes coaching or strategic consultation session for each speaking event introduction you make.

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