Pick Your Game First

A discussion about how choosing the right "game" or path in life/business is more important than trying to win at the wrong game. The speakers emphasize personal alignment over conventional success metrics.

Core Philosophy

• Picking the right game matters more than mastering tactics to win the wrong game
• Different people thrive playing different games based on their values and personality
• The "right game" changes throughout different life phases (20s vs 30s vs 40s)

Types of Games People Play

• The Domination Game

  • "Mini Genghis Khans" who want to build empires
  • Focus on industry domination and conquest
  • Driven by competition and market control

• The Family-First Game

  • Making family the primary focus ("CEO of family")
  • Working 16 hours/day on family rather than business
  • Finding peace in prioritizing personal life over business

• The Balanced Life Game

  • Mix of activities (speaking, coaching, small business)
  • Not focused on maximum financial returns
  • Doing what brings personal satisfaction

Business Game Characteristics

• Competitive vs Monopolistic

  • Some industries require constant competition (e.g., YouTube content)
  • Others have strong defensibility once established (retail shelf space)

• Time Investment

  • Some games require constant attention (content creation)
  • Others become self-sustaining after initial work (retail distribution)

Success Metrics Evolution

• Traditional metrics focus on money/achievement
• More mature perspective values:
  • Personal satisfaction
  • Time with family
  • Doing what you enjoy
  • Peace of mind over maximum profits

Key Insights

• Being at peace comes from playing the right game for you
• Trying to play others' games leads to exhaustion
• After certain wealth threshold, additional money matters less
• Health and personal fulfillment become primary success metrics