A Different Instruction Manual for the Game of Life?

“I only have 15% energy left. I need 500 more points to level up. If I can’t solve this puzzle and unlock the next door, I’m out.”

Whether you play video games or not, you probably know the thrill is all about the challenges, upgrades, and tough scenarios that keep us coming back for more.

Is it any different for the hardest game we'll ever play? I'm talking about the Game of Life. If life always went our way, if there were no obstacles, nothing difficult to overcome, wouldn't it eventually get boring?

Like video games, we can consider that life has built-in "rules:" we’re born helpless, we need food and rest, we crave safety. We each come with unique “avatars” shaped by our experiences, trauma, and personality. We each have different skills and strengths. And just like in a game, our success isn’t just about what happens to us—it’s about how we play.

But what if most of us were handed the wrong instruction manual on how to play? Even on the goals and rules of the game? Maybe society, teachers, parents, friends "told" us we should have (high) expectations from other people and from life. Maybe they demonstrated that we should get upset, stressed, and discouraged when things don't go our way.

But that’s like expecting a game to be easy and drama-free. Where’s the growth and fun in that?

What if the plot twists in life—the disappointments, failures, tough conversations—aren’t setbacks, but scenarios coded in for our evolution? What if the challenges are meant to strengthen our courage, wisdom, empathy, and resilience?

We don’t have to be victims of our circumstances. We can remember: we’re not just the avatar. We are the player. And we can play from our Inner Sage. The calm, clear observer who can pause and ask, “What’s the wisest move here? What would serve my highest growth?”

That shift—from triggered participant caught up in the drama to curious and wise player—changes everything.

So instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” our Inner Sage can ask,

"What is the opportunity? What can I learn?"

To browse past positivity tips, visit this page.

Tina Hallis, Ph.D., is a thought-shifter! She is a professional speaker and founder of The Positive Edge, a company dedicated to helping individuals and organizations increase their positivity to improve the quality of people’s work lives and the quality of company cultures.