Life is like playing Tetris

Tetris is still a fun game even long years after it was created. Yet visualizing the subtle message in Tetris has been an eye opener and certainly thought provoking. Simply put, it brings to the fore the importance of being proud of one’s individuality and the realization that each of us needs to nurture and retain our individuality so as to leave our mark in this world. It also gives another message, not to follow the herd and instead opt to furrow our own path. No sooner we imitate others we are merely becoming clones and lose out on the opportunity to make a difference, to get noticed and to stand out in a crowd. There are of course risks attached to being different; from being treated as a misfit or being labeled a eccentric or having to remain lonely in a minority. The rewards though are much higher, more gratifying and perhaps most fulfilling; ask all those who successfully pioneered the various revolutions that changed the world we live in.

Now in the game of Tetris the challenge is to allow the pieces to fit in. In life the challenge is to stand out, be noticed, do something different and leave a mark in the world. While the goal of the game of Tetris and the game of life is the same to come out a winner, the means differ. So if you are keen to leave a mark on the world you will need to leave a stamp of your individuality. Here are few guidelines to help you achieve this and make your DREAM become a reality.

Dare to be different – Each of us has a secret dream, a wish, a desire, a goal very different from what our family and friends would approve of. Yet, almost all of us fall prey to the clutches of walking the beaten path. How many of us would dare to follow our hearts desire even if it means walking alone, being criticized, being ostracized, being picked upon and in some cases even having to face hostility and intimidation. Yet, if the heart is full of hope, the mind unwavering and the energy to traverse boundless, there is no stopping. Dare to dream and dare to make it come true.

Risks should be taken – In being different, there is always risk; the risk of being misunderstood, of being singled out as a lunatic, of being lonely and above all the risk of failure. This risk is much higher when one takes a path opposed to by most. This is because there will be very little encouragement, plenty of naysayers and the sub conscious apprehension challenges us every moment. Yet the dream you have should be far more stronger than the risks you perceive. It is this dream that you have to live, by taking the associated risks.

Explore opportunities – Many of us are too lazy to seek out and explore the wonderful opportunities around us. Far too often our laziness disguises itself in us rationalizing ‘why rock our steady boat?’ or dismissing potential opportunities as being ‘this is not my cup of tea’. Opportunities often come disguised in the form of hard work, stiff competition and requires taking a giant leap of faith. Yet they also show us a glimmer of their potential if we seek it out. If you can dream something then get ready to also wake up to the reality that dreams can be made a reality if you are willing to spend your time on exploring how to make it succeed.

Act with purpose – We largely tend to react to situations. If we can train ourselves to act and thereby be proactive we can channelize our energies more productively. Reactions are largely reflex action, a defensive approach and largely focused on protecting our interests. Action on the other hand is self generated, targeted with precision and triggers action that gathers momentum driving us to succeed. If the dream has to be realized you need to wake up and act with purpose.

Make a positive difference – It is not enough to be a dedicated and contentious person. One has to be a doer, a person who takes charge and someone who is not just dependable but a person who is inventive, a visionary and a go getter. These are some qualities that make you stand out from the rest and more importantly ensure that you are not simply following a crowd but actually leading it. You cannot just wake up and expect your dream to come true; you have to steer your every waking hour towards making it happen by forging a path where none exists so that you can help other traverse the same road.

Be that first Tetris block that makes the rules for every other block fit into.

Try these:

1. Outline 3 behavioral changes that you can bring about that would pleasantly surprise others and at the same time help you realize your full potential.
2. Attempt any or all of the following

• Visit a basketball court and try shooting baskets for 15 minutes
• Go to a bowling alley and play a full round of bowling with a friend and wager a bet to make the game more competitive
• The next time you visit a lake, try to get a paddle boat and attempt to paddle around on your own in the lake.
• Go on a bird watching trip / trek / jungle safari with a group which does not include a single person who you personally know.

This post is courtesy www.actspot.com

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