Are You Really Playing Full Out?

In work, as in life, there are only 2 games you can play. One is To Win. The other is Not To Lose.

Which one are you playing? (Be honest, now!)

In order Not to Lose, you must focus on playing it safe. That means looking good, staying comfortable, avoiding anything that could possibly be scary, awkward, embarrassing or (gasp!) lead to failure.

To Win, you must play full out. That means once you start, you just keep going as far as you can with all that you’ve got. And when you fall down, you get back up and keep going.

Problem is, it can be tough to tell which game you’re playing. There are times when I swear I’m giving my all, but later it hits me. I was fooling myself by holding back (even just a tiny bit means I’m playing it safe).

I devised the following list to help assess if you’re really playing to win. 5 Signs I’m Playing Full Out (check what applies to you).

  1. I know what I want and am committed to getting it. (And if I don’t know, I devote time and energy to figuring it out).
  2. I’m so focused on my vision that I don’t get distracted (at least not for long) by irrelevant, draining, or conflicting tasks.
  3. I’m willing to experience whatever it takes—defeat, discomfort, even humiliation—to achieve what I want.
  4. I don’t say ‘yes’ when I really want to say ‘no,’ even if it means upsetting another.
  5. Every time I’m afraid to do something, I force myself to do it anyway. (And I catch myself when I justify not doing it.)

I’d love to know: How many did you check? Is there anything you’d add to this list? Leave me a comment below.

Comments & Feedback

  • Judy M Lawrence

    Hi Barbara,
    I got caught up by the gorgeous photo. Looks like Antelope Slot Canyon in CO. I’ve been there and loved it. Love your two distinctions on this topic. Very subtle and very well explained.
    Thank you!

    • barbara huson

      Thanks Judy. I’m so glad you liked this…and the image…my assistant, Lynda Jo, picks the pictures and I always love her choices. I so appreciate you taking the time to write! xo

  • Jenifer

    I still remember your book on the secrets of six figure earners which I loved! (It took a while to get there but I got my 6 figures. 😉 ) The image I got out of it was letting go of that ledge in order to soar. Terrifying yes, but you if you want to grow, you have to. My issue at the moment is that I don’t have a clear vision of what I want to go all in on. I am 55 and am considering how long to work and when to retire/where, etc. Almost like it is foggy and I just can’t get even an outline of what I want to go all in on. Any suggestions? You have such great perspective on things.

    • Lisa

      Barbara recommended a book called “The Calling” by RHA Goddess. By the time I read chapter 11, I felt like the author had described me. Might be a good book when you’re trying to work out what you want to do.

  • Lisa

    Hi Barbara,

    I know I’m cautious or slow to begin with, however once I start, I usually keep going! When you give up, you lose! Had a friend who started many things only to quit half way! When I listen to her, I know it’s a phase she’s going through.

  • barbara huson

    What a great question, Jenifer. I know this one from experience. I’ve been in this place many times…and I can tell you, it’s a wonderful place to be… though, if you’re like me, the uncertainty may be driving you crazy. However, I’ve learned that the ability to live in the question, surrender to the uncertainty, is how you’ll discover your next chapter. Because there’s something living in you now, that’s gestating, growing, eager to be born. The fact that you’re feeling the way you are tells me that’s precisely what’s happening. It’s exactly how I felt before I gave birth to a whole new body of work I called Sacred Success. And years later, I felt the same, and eventually gave birth to another new body of work I call Rewire for Wealth (the book will be coming out in January). My advice to you is to surrender, fully surrender, and allow yourself to receive guidance from the Universe. It’ll happen…you don’t have to force anything. I’m really excited for you, Jenifer. Please keep me posted. I genuinely am interested.

Use The Form Below to Share Your Feedback And Opinion

Meet Barbara Huson

When a devastating financial crisis rocked her world, Barbara Huson knew she had to get smart about money… and she did. Now, she wants to empower every women to take charge of their money and take charge of their lives! She’s doing just that with her best-selling books, life changing retreats and private financial coaching.

Top Back To Top
Site Design Rebecca Pollock
Site Development Alchemy + Aim