5 Work/Life Strategies from Chess
This game is incredibly difficult to play, right? You have to be a genius, right? The simple answer is “no”.
I am the mother of two young chess players, have lead two successful scholastic chess clubs for several years and seen first-hand the joy (and tears) that chess can bring. In the process, I became certified as a Tournament Director (TD) for United States Chess Federation, worked as a TD at local, state and national level tournaments, and most importantly, fell in love with the game.
Let’s start with the basics.
What is Chess?
Chess is a sport. It’s an art, a science, and a philosopher’s game. It is a blend of creativity, tactics and strategy interwoven into battle between two armies. Albeit silently, much activity occurs between the pieces on the board. Chess is easy to learn, but it can take a lifetime to master. Throughout history, men, women, girls and boys have enjoyed the game on both recreational and competitive levels.
Why is it so appealing?
A first glance at two people playing chess can be quite deceiving. It appears boringly stagnant, but in reality, both players are rapidly playing through potential scenarios in their minds, analyzing the best possible strategy to undertake. The competitive nature of the game is what fosters engagement. Kids play the game, and they come back because they want to learn how to win. Every competitor is locked in an eternal struggle with their rivals to succeed, and in the process, better themselves. The game teaches you important life skills such as sportsmanship. Grandmaster Susan Polgar, one of the strongest female chess players in the history of chess says it best: “Win with Grace, Lose with Dignity.”
Chess is universal, and quite literally, colorblind. To play the game, you don’t have to be rich or have a certain physique. You don’t need to get a whole group of players together to participate in the sport. All you need is a chess board, pieces and a willing opponent.
Truth be told, chess can be intimidating to play the first time. But like anything else, it gets easier after you play it for some time. Like your Mother, teacher or coach must have told you, practice makes the difference. As you spend more time playing, you will reach a deeper understanding as well as enjoyment of the game.
In a nutshell chess is an inclusive sport, anyone can play and it is loads of fun.
Seriously, once you start playing, you’ll get hooked. Be prepared – this ride to playing chess requires patience and study. There will be ups and downs in your journey. All journeys worth taking have challenges.
Think about it – the most vivid memories during our lifetime are those in which we had to struggle and then endured.
Strategies from chess that can improve your career and life:
1. Plan
On a sheet of paper, write down goals for your career and personal life. Next, add key milestones and assign those to your timeline. For example, an overarching goal may be to get more fit in next 9 months and milestones can include getting a membership to the local gym, beginning a fitness routine and then reducing processed foods. Chess teaches the importance of planning and thinking ahead. Developing the discipline to think a few moves ahead increases the odds of a successful outcome for a chess player.
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin
Full article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-worklife-strategies-from-chess-binny-nanavati