A poignant reminder, and a refreshingly deeper take on the common-folk advice, "just stop caring about what other people think". Humans are programmed to gain approval and admiration for survival and procreation in small tribes. It helps to know that this is our body and instincts doing what it was evolved to do. That self-compassion makes it easier then to choose whether to allow it to progress into something else (more fitting) for our modern age.
Having the clarity to stay true to your path when everyone around you is caught up in status games isn't just validation of your beliefs, it's proof of your inner compass.
Well said. One of the challenges is to find others into natural games, but minimize time and especially sharing with those into status games. Others who get natural, long range thinking are rare but great support... or so I would think!
The whose scoreboard are you checking question is the whole game. Most people don't even realize they're chasing someone else's scorecard. Once you catch that you become 10x more dangerous because you're finally playing for yourself.
Status games are exhausting because they never end. Real games have rules and an endpoint. Most people never realize they're stuck playing the wrong game.
The analogy of zero-sum and positive-sum games was very representative. We should always try to make the world better, even if only by a little. And this start by yourself.
I believe an argument can be made that, for some people, to catapult into the natural game, one must play the status game. Either to give them an edge for the natural game or a leg up.
The more I read Naval's self-help advice the more obvious how little pragmatic value or clear application to anything concrete it entails. In any case, at that level of abstraction anything sounds profound.
I had never heard about status or natural games this was a very eye opening read. Definitely want to go back and evaluate some of my own practices and prioritize the natural. Great piece!
A poignant reminder, and a refreshingly deeper take on the common-folk advice, "just stop caring about what other people think". Humans are programmed to gain approval and admiration for survival and procreation in small tribes. It helps to know that this is our body and instincts doing what it was evolved to do. That self-compassion makes it easier then to choose whether to allow it to progress into something else (more fitting) for our modern age.
Having the clarity to stay true to your path when everyone around you is caught up in status games isn't just validation of your beliefs, it's proof of your inner compass.
Well said. One of the challenges is to find others into natural games, but minimize time and especially sharing with those into status games. Others who get natural, long range thinking are rare but great support... or so I would think!
The whose scoreboard are you checking question is the whole game. Most people don't even realize they're chasing someone else's scorecard. Once you catch that you become 10x more dangerous because you're finally playing for yourself.
That sinks in!
Status games are exhausting because they never end. Real games have rules and an endpoint. Most people never realize they're stuck playing the wrong game.
Zero-Sum part hits hard.
Every Insta post and Whatsapp status is to show how important we are in the network which makes someone else feel lower.
It was life-changing decision for me when I stopped posting.
With natural games, one finds a sense of eternal peace.
The analogy of zero-sum and positive-sum games was very representative. We should always try to make the world better, even if only by a little. And this start by yourself.
This maps perfectly to sales.
Status game: Activity metrics, applause on the dashboard, automated outputs.
Natural game: Deeper research, hands-on outreach, grinding through the extra layer of personalization.
Your organization's metrics are the status game; your prospect's attention is the natural game.
play whatever the f ck u want. but don't tell me what to play
What games are natural games?
Marriage status, Working in a good company status game , knowing someone is also status game.
Could u say what gamers they are???
Nice read
I believe an argument can be made that, for some people, to catapult into the natural game, one must play the status game. Either to give them an edge for the natural game or a leg up.
I’m guessing all natural games are infinite games? Regardless, great read!
But how to be motivated and keep going? So much pressure , so much distraction ! I feel lost and often feel no point of return !!
I liked your article. but recently feeling it very tough to get the drive , is it failure that I am afraid of?
The more I read Naval's self-help advice the more obvious how little pragmatic value or clear application to anything concrete it entails. In any case, at that level of abstraction anything sounds profound.
I had never heard about status or natural games this was a very eye opening read. Definitely want to go back and evaluate some of my own practices and prioritize the natural. Great piece!