There is a virus that is spreading across the world these days that is affecting people’s sense of peace and happiness. This virus is not biological but is a piece of information that gets replicated and is called a meme. It’s not necessarily the truth, yet most people buy into it.

The “crisis” meme is very powerful. Its message is that we are currently in a crisis and it is extremely important to act now. Each of us do not need to be “infected” by the virus of the economy which expresses gloom and doom. We have the capacity to create peace and happiness irrespective of external conditions!

In this article, I will share how relating to money as a game can have you being more effective irrespective of what is going on in your circumstances. Let yourself enjoy the ride.

What is a game?

When I use the word “game,” I am not suggesting that it is something frivolous.

Here is a dictionary definition of game: amusement, diversion; procedure or strategy for gaining an end; physical or mental competition conducted according to rules with participants opposite one another. (Who is always our number one opponent?)

If we look at the elements of a game, they could include the following: players, coaches, referees, a field of play, spectators, rules (agreements), scoreboard, start time/end time, principles, practice, support team, goal (for example, in hockey, putting the puck in the net), penalties.

A synonym for game is fun, which means amusement or enjoyment. All games have an element of fun and the players play with intensity. This is an important point because how most people relate to their financial situation is what might be considered opposite to a game and that is a condition of survival. When we are in survival, when our reserves are low, we do not perform at our best. We find ourselves in a downward spiral of negativity, which makes our situation worse.

Setting up the Money Game

Here are some of the elements you can include in setting up a money game:

1. Give it a name, for example, “Passive Income for Quality Time.” Keep in mind that this is your game. You call the shots. You make the rules.
2. Rules: $2000 per month in passive income six months from now, i.e., the game ends in six months. To win, you can set up an “in the bank” (predictable) money target as well as a “go for it.” An appropriate place to play this game is between an easy win and impossible dream.
3. Check out yourself. Are you willing to take full ownership for your game and its creation? Are you authentically committed to following your rules? Will you truly play flat out for the six months? Are you willing to include your fears in the game and still be unstoppable?
4. Declare yourself. This is a vital component of the game. The more people that you share with in terms of what you are creating in your game, the more likely you will win!
5. Incorporate fun into the game.

The Inner Game

Ultimately, no matter what the game looks like, you are your main opponent. The inner game is about mastering the relationship between what Tim Gallwey refers to as Self 1, the “conscious teller” (always assessing and judging aspect of you) and Self 2, the “unconscious, automatic doer” (non-judging and intuitive). It is about “natural learning” – increasing your awareness of how things are, how they occur without judgment, without trying to change, without force. This increases your capacity to learn, to perform and to develop.

While playing any game you have created, you will have “breakdowns” – something interrupts, gets in the way of you accomplishing what you have set out to fulfill. In tennis, this could look like hitting the ball into the net. In your intention to generate more money, your tax bill may be higher than what you expected. How will you be in the face of these breakdowns? Will you respond or react? Will you allow your emotions and moods stop you? Will you allow other people’s opinions stop you?

Some Recommendations in Playing the Game

1. Distinguish between observation and evaluation. There is a big difference between “I am a failure” and “I have no savings.”
2. Work with a coach. The “lone ranger” mentality is a sure way to struggling and “efforting.”
3. Put yourself in a learning environment related to the domain in which your game occurs. There are many resources out there – books, courses, webinars, to name a few.
4. Practice – insight in itself is insufficient for lasting change. Information, in itself is insufficient for integration.