Perhaps life is just a game?
How experience shape us, one level at a time
The other day, on my commute home, I found myself thinking about the games I play (usually MMOs and team based games) and how, in many ways, life mirrors them. In some matches, I can have the best scores and still we lose. In others, I might be struggling and we end up winning anyway.
That got me thinking about age and birthdays—what if they’re just level-ups? With each passing year, we gain experience and, hopefully, wisdom (though that’s not guaranteed). Even the bad experiences, habits, and behaviors we pick up along the way contribute to our growth in some way.
Reflecting on Myself 🧘🏽
All of this led me to reflect on how much I’ve changed over the years—my personal style, my leadership approach, my personality, and the way I treat others, both personally and professionally. Comparing my current self to who I was 10 years ago, the difference is night and day. I’ve even looked back at old Facebook messages and cringed at some of the things I said—the tone, the words, the perspective I had back then.
One realization that has stuck with me came from a conversation with my partner a few years ago. Around 3-4 years ago, I was struggling to understand why I kept getting rejected from job opportunities, despite receiving positive feedback and feeling like I had done well. Eventually, I realized that those who secured the positions often had more years of experience and a broader range of skills. My partner told me something that still resonates today:
Experience can’t be replaced entirely by talent. Even if you’re a talented manager and candidate, you’re still years away from reaching your full potential. You need time to face different situations, each one shaping your leadership in ways talent alone can’t.
I listened, I nodded, and I agreed. And to this day, I still do.
Every challenge, every setback, and every success is part of the journey. If we shift our mindset from “Why is this happening to me?” to “What is this teaching me?”, we open ourselves up to a world of growth. So, the next time you’re frustrated with where you are, ask yourself: What skills am I building right now that my future self will thank me for?
Closing Thoughts
Whenever I reflect on my past experiences, lessons, and continuous growth, I feel deeply grateful—for the people I’ve met, the opportunities I’ve had, and even the setbacks that have shaped me. Life has a way of teaching us through everything and everyone we encounter. Sometimes, we forget that every person and every situation can be our teacher at some point.
Life is a game. We’re in constant evolution, and to me, that’s the beauty of it. Every day is a new chance to learn and grow as human beings, as individuals—and that excites me. As painful, frustrating, and confusing as it can be at times, that’s life. That’s the beauty of it. And that’s what keeps things interesting!
As cliché as it sounds, I see myself as a lifelong learner—sometimes a student, sometimes a master, and always a mentee of life.