Read it on substack -> almanack.horden.net

Perspective

To me, the real winners are the ones who step out of the game entirely, who don’t even play the game, who rise above it.

Naval Ravikant

Story

This is a sequel to “burn the boats”.
That story was about eliminating the way back, so the only way is forward.
But here's another idea:

What if you never boarded the boat in the first place?

⠀

Let’s talk about something familiar:
Video games.

⠀

Chances are, just like me, you poured time and soul into getting good at these games.

You leveled up, ranked high, got the clout.

Sure, you got better, but life didn't change much.

⠀

There’s a strange phenomenon happening among the top players.

Some of the wealthiest, most elite players in the world are now saying the same thing:

“If I could go back… I wouldn’t play again.”
“I regret building a virtual character when I should’ve built myself.”⠀

They didn’t fail.
They won, in the wrong arena.

⠀

I’ve been there.
Indulged in this illusion, this psy-op.
Winning what didn't matter, and losing sight of what did.

⠀

What did I do?
I walked away.
Deleted every single account.
Some may think that is extreme.
Well, I argue that extreme people get extreme results.

Afterall, winning the wrong game is worse than losing.

⠀

This isn’t just about video games.
It's about every artificial game designed to keep you from becoming better.

Fame.
Gossip.
Drama.
Social validation.
Celebrity scandals that don't affect you.
Shows that leave you entertained but empty.
Comment wars, leaderboards, follower counts.

There’s a reason the most fulfilled people don’t play these games.

⠀
(notice how I didn't say successful?)

Become

In a world full of superficial leaderboards,
Be the one who opts out to build something real.

Train the real character, your character.

Your body.
Your mind.
Your soul.
Your relationships.
Your leverage.

Your real life is the only game that is worth playing.

Remember, its who you become on the journey.