Winner's Game vs. Loser's Game

All

A very interesting read which most definitely applies to squash.

John

Winner's Game vs. Loser's Game

In the 1999 tennis book, Extraordinary Tennis for the Ordinary Tennis Player, author Simon Ramo broke down the difference between amateur and professional tennis:

• Amateur tennis is a Loser's Game. 80% of points are lost on unforced errors. You win by avoiding errors and waiting for your opponent to make errors.
• Professional tennis is a Winner's Game. 80% of points are won on incredible shots. You win by hitting incredible shots.

I don't play tennis, but this is an idea that extends well beyond the confines of the court into every area of life.

There are two core insights here:

1. You have to know what game you're playing: There's no point trying to hit magnificent shots if you're playing a Loser's Game. You're better off keeping it simple and avoiding unforced errors. Similarly, there's no point trying to play conservatively and avoid unforced errors if you're playing a Winner's Game. You're better off trying to hit the elegant shots.
2. The game you're playing might change as the levels change: What starts out as a Loser's Game can become a Winner's Game. For example, your early career years may be defined as a Loser's Game. You just need to avoid big mistakes and get the work done. Your later career years may be defined as a Winner's Game. Outsized rewards go to those who hit the magnificent shots.

I can't stop thinking about this mental model. Ever since I came across it, I feel like I'm seeing it everywhere.

The questions I'm asking myself:

• What type of game am I playing? Am I being compensated for avoiding mistakes or for executing beautifully?
• How might the game change as I rise through the levels?

Consider asking yourself these questions more regularly in the weeks and months ahead.

******

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Nobody handles the cruelty of losing better than Kyle Shanahan