Winning the Game of Life: Insights from a Successful Gambler

Yesterday, I went into a casino, doubled my money, and left within 5 minutes. So, how did I do it?

I’ll share my secret with you shortly, but being a life coach and an experienced gambler allows me to learn some truths about people and life.

1. You lose 100% of the bets you don’t take

Once the chips are down, there is a probable chance that you can win. However, I can guarantee that you will lose 100% of the time if you don’t place any bets. It will be the same for when you:

Never apply for that job.
Never ask for that promotion or raise.
Never ask that guy/girl on a date.
Never focus on fitness or health.
Never start that business.
Never start writing or posting that article.

2. Everybody is a gambler

At your job, you are betting that the company will appreciate you long enough to keep you and continue paying you a salary. However, they could decide to fire you or make you redundant at any time.

People invest time and energy into a relationship, but life and people change.

Entrepreneurs risk their money, efforts, and reputations to gain success.

Choosing to do nothing is also a form of gambling; you are guaranteed to lose.

You have to start deciding what games you want to play and play it well.

3. You don’t need to MASTER your emotions to be successful; that is an illusion

Gambling can be a roller coaster of emotions. You could be at an all-time high from a big win or exasperated and frustrated over a loss. The key is not to control those emotions but to be aware of them enough not to make decisions based on them.

Whatever emotions you are experiencing shouldn’t dictate your future actions. Many gamblers have thousands of pounds simply because they got too emotional. They lose some bets and try to bet more money to win it back. Conversely, I’ve seen many people win big and think they are on top of the world, carelessly betting all their winnings to end up where they started or even losing it all. The key is to walk away.

4. Always have a plan.

When I enter a casino, I always have a plan in place:

I decide how much money I will play and won’t deviate.
How much I’m willing to lose before I walk away.
Acceptable amount of profit before I walk away.

Some of my gambling sessions can take 30 minutes to an hour or just a couple of minutes.

5. Understand the rules and principles.

I do not mean the rules of a roulette table or blackjack(please know how to play before you play with real money!)I am talking about the rules and principles governing life.

In the casino, the croupier, the floor managers, security, and pretty waiters are all working together to ensure one thing: you stay in the casino as long as possible.

Why?

Because they know that if you gamble long enough, you will lose money over time. Understanding this principle will keep you from losing all your money. Sometimes, you may even leave with more money in your pocket!

Just like in life, some rules and principles govern your everyday experience. The more aware you are of them, the better chance of winning the game of life. Here are some examples:

Principles of mind, thought, and feelings.
Principles of positive and negative energy.
Principles of inspired and effortless action.
Principles of attention and awareness.
Principles of creativity and inner peace.

My gambling day: How I doubled my money.

I walk into a casino with £1000 to gamble, place £500 on a colour at a roulette table, and it wins, doubling my money.

A waiter comes and asks if I’d like a drink on the house; I decline, take my winnings, and leave the table.

I go to a blackjack table and bet £250; I lose.

I bet £250 in the next round and win.

I bet £250 again and get a blackjack, which triples the winnings.

I am now up £1000 and have decided to leave.

The manager standing by the table congratulates me on my winnings and encourages me to keep playing; I respectfully decline.

As I enter the hallway, the security guard by the exit says, “Leaving so soon?”

I smile at him as I walk out, responding, “Have a good day.”

Key Takeaways:

Whatever it is, SHOW UP and be in it to win it. You lose 100% of bets you don’t take.
Everyone gambling one way or another
Always have a plan for when things don't go your way
Do not master your emotions — you can’t. Instead, be aware of them and do not allow them to dictate your decisions.

Thank you for reading.

Please follow me for more insightful posts and stories like these.

My name is Tung. I am a writer and Life Coach. I follow and write anything that fascinates me.

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