Last night I won a game of Monopoly.
No. I dominated in a game of Monopoly.
While on my speaking tour of Wisconsin, I enjoyed a nice dinner visit with a friend and her awesome kids. After dinner, I was challenged by the kids to take on the game. It was a quick one with special family rules, but I rolled an amazing series of doubles in my first few turns, allowing me to quickly acquire property, and make others pay up.
Yep, I dominated.
It occurred to me today how many of our board games are about domination. Finish first. Collect ALL of the pieces. We even have a game called “Sorry” where we teach kids sarcasm as they knock someone back to the starting line.
And I’m wondering if we need something a little bit different.
Yes, competition is great, and so is a competitive spirit.
But I won in Monopoly, not because I had some special skill. No, I won because I was lucky when I rolled the dice, and others were not.
Yesterday was also my birthday. Since I’m on the road, I’ve found myself reflecting much more on this birthday than I have on previous ones. At age 33, I realize how much of my success is due to others. How lucky I have been to have people who believed in me and supported me. I’ve been so blessed to have incredible parents who supported me.
Rather than acquiring new “property” for themselves, they let me stay rent free on a space. They helped me find “Free Parking” and navigate the difficulties that can be adolescence and the early 20s. They showed me a lot more ladders than the chutes and helped me get to the Candyland of life.
No, I’m not saying that we need to stop playing Monopoly or abandon our competitive spirit, but I do think we should consider how we play the game and how we help those around us pass Go.
It just makes life that much better : )