The Power of the Game

"Don't hate the player, hate the game".  A phrase that one of my students happily used when discussing and justifying his participation in a "misunderstanding" with several female peers.  I believe that most young people get an ego boost when using, while most adults, such as myself, probably cringe when hearing this often-used phrase.  As I sat listening to him I wondered out loud if he understood ANYTHING about "the game".

The game.  What is "the game"?  Different people have different answers.  It could mean that compilation of the popular sports.  Sports such as football, basketball, baseball and hockey.  Huge, multi-million dollar stadiums and arenas are built for the game.   Schools suspend classes early for the game.  Young people stay after school and come back on weekends for the game.  Young people choose schools and colleges for the game.  Sunday afternoons in the fall, weeknites in the winter and Saturday afternoons in the spring and summer are scheduled for the game.  Celebrities, athletes and other high-profile individuals get glammed up and blinged out for the game.  Newspapers dedicate separate sections for the game.  Advertisers spend unimaginable money for the game.  Many workplaces become havens for athletic wear on certain days for the game.  Backyard bbq's become much more fun for the game.  While all this is true, I believe "the game" is much more.  It is that thing that is held in very high esteem and part of the fabric of American society and culture.  The real "game" for young people is figuring out and executing what is necessary to establish a firm foothold on life, to make something of yourself, to leave that imprint for others to follow.   

Here is the lesson:  The power and importance of "the game" should not be misunderstood or underestimated, ESPECIALLY by young people.  If you understand the game, you understand the ingredients needed to mix together to produce a well-paved path for success.  The ingredients of strength to approach everyday with a new perspective, courage to try something new, fail and try again, endurance to stay on the climb upward, intelligence to seek assistance when needed, humility to honor your God-given gifts and talents, desire and dedication to never give up, belief that with practice, you can be among perfection, willingness to change and the compassion to want to reach back and help others.  Football players who possess the ingredients win super bowls, baseball players win world series, basketball players win NBA and WNBA titles, hockey players win stanley cup trophies, gymnasists, swimmers and skaters win gold medals.  Young people who possess the ingredients graduate from high school, further their education, create careers, build families, make positive contributions to society, leave legacies for other young people to emulate and build upon.   

So the next time you happen to be one of those who quickly jumps on "the game" bandwagon, think about and remember what "the game" entails.  How you master "the game" will be a blueprint for the structure of your life.  The work, the energy, the commitment, the dedication.  All is critical in the game of life.  All are needed to navigate the many waves, bumps, hurdles and turbulence that life can and will bring.  Be good at recognizing your talents.  Be good at acknowledging your weaknesses and persevere to overcome them.  Be good at understanding you can't change the past, but you can determine the future.  Be good at designing a strategy for success in the classroom, for it will transcend into your existence in the world.  Be good at drafting honest, committed people who will support, encourage and mentor you during the good and bad times.  Be good at helping someone who has a hard time at something that comes easy to you.  Be good at challenging yourself to always do better and to look for ways to be better.  Be good at remembering the values and morals learned growing up.  Be good at respecting others and the differences of others.  BE GOOD AT THE GAME!!!