Welcome to The Game
How do you play the game of success?
Approximately a year ago, I encountered a new colleague for the first time. She differed significantly from any of my previous co-workers, displaying numerous personas that made it impossible to determine her true intentions.
She maintained a certain distance from everyone, never revealing the complete narrative — only fragments. What she hid behind her back remained unseen by others.
Back then, I found it quite annoying not to understand her intentions. I needed clarification about where I stood with her. Despite working alongside her for over a year, I doubt I knew her.
Today, I realized how clever she was.
A year later, I still work in the same place while she has moved on, pursuing a new role with improved hours and a higher salary.
The contrast between us?
She grasped how to play the game. I did not.
I had never encountered the concept of the “rat race” for success. Standing up for myself is a skill I still have to learn. Observing her approach has encouraged me to reflect on my actions and, more importantly, how people interacted with me at work.
This revelation pushed me to view my life and surroundings with fresh eyes.
I now see how people play the game. Some are unaware that they are playing it (they have either learned how to play it as they grew up, or it comes naturally), while others calculate every move.
My lack of awareness occasionally led me to appear stupid. Not long ago, I realized that if I wanted to get anywhere in life, I needed to improve this and better understand the game.
First and foremost, there is no absolute right or wrong — unless you have a specific goal you’re working towards. In that case, reflecting on your actions and their alignment with your goals becomes essential.
Being an avid reader, I naturally turned to literature to enhance my understanding. One particular book consistently recommended to me was “The 48 Laws Of Power, by Robert Greene.”
My initial impression of the book is highly positive. Although many rules contradict my upbringing, I acknowledge the benefits of such actions.
More crucially, I recognize what my former colleague executed correctly and where I faltered.
For those unfamiliar with the book, two key points are noteworthy:
1. The book outlines 48 rules for navigating the game of success, providing examples of the consequences of following or neglecting these rules.
2. This book is reportedly forbidden in prisons, and after delving into some rules and their real-world applications, I understand the rationale.
The book is both informative and easily comprehensible. Most individuals could peruse it without a dictionary, yet it’s not a book one can finish in a day or two.
Have I gained insights? Undoubtedly. I’ve even committed to rereading it once I’ve completed it.
Therefore, if you, like me, aspire to change your life. I recommend reading this book.
Serena
