Today, I went 0 for 3 in board games with friends.
In the first two games I got absolutely trounced. Tied for last place in each game sort of trounced. 0 points in every game level of trounced.
After losing those three so badly, I said something like, “And now I’m mad. I still love this game, and I’m pissed. I’m going to play it over and over again til I figure it out.”
Another player – one who had also scored 0 points in both – said he was mad too. But that I didn’t seem angry or annoyed at losing: I was celebrating other people making good moves.
I learned that skill at clownschool: something like “compersion”: sharing in the joy of others. Yes, I want to win. Yes, I will do everything to win. And also, I will respect you and appreciate you and support you when you have a great move.
I will absolutely not tell you when you make a mistake. But I will share in your joy when you execute a beautiful combo.
I find this method a much more joyful way to play games.
🙂
Julian Wise 