In our regular weekly poker game, there was an interesting dynamic between two players, Al and Steve. They had known each other for years, played countless hands together, and yet, every time they went head-to-head, Al always seemed to come out on top. It wasn’t a fluke or just bad luck—there was something deeper at play.
Watching this unfold over time, it became clear: Al wasn’t winning because of luck; he was winning because he understood Steve’s tendencies and adjusted accordingly. He recognized patterns, adapted his strategy, and capitalized on what he knew. That’s what made the difference.
This idea goes far beyond poker. It’s a reminder that success—whether in a game, at work, or in life—isn’t just about talent or effort. It’s about recognizing when something isn’t working, learning from it, and making adjustments. Steve eventually realized that if he wanted to beat Al, he couldn’t keep playing the same way and expecting a different result. He had to change his approach.
We all face moments like that. Maybe it’s a challenge at work, a personal goal that feels just out of reach, or a situation that keeps playing out the same way no matter what we do. When that happens, the key isn’t to just try harder—it’s to step back, reassess, and be willing to change the game.
So yeah, we’ve all heard the old saying, “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Which, at its core, is about adaptation. But honestly, who even makes lemonade anymore?
I like mine better:
If you want to beat Al, you gotta change your game.