This question, in various forms, has come up several times lately in different conversations and different contexts.  I think it is good to look at the distinction in our own lives.

How about you?  Are you playing to win, or playing not to lose?  This enters into every area of our lives: business, romance, friendship, sports, building wealth, etc.  Our focus strongly determines our behavior and - no big surprise - the end result.

Think about your business for a moment.  How would you approach building your business if you were in it to win, every day?  How about if you were in it not to lose?  Which approach would bring you more prosperity and joy?  Which approach is most likely to leave you just making ends meet?  How would your marketing and sales or customer service efforts be different?

Take another area of life: building wealth.  How would you manage your money if your goal was to "win" the game of building wealth?  How would it be different if you were managing your money so that you don't lose it?  Again, which approach is most likely to bring you greater prosperity and joy?

Let's look at one more area: romance.  How would you approach dating or your current relationship if you decided you were committed to "winning" a high quality relationship, as opposed to not "losing" what you've got?  Which approach is most likely to lead to the more fulfilling experience?

Many people spend their lives making choices based on fear of loss, rather than going for what they really want or being "in to win" in the game of life.  Sometimes they play full out in one area, and proceed with caution in others.  I'm sure you know people who are successful at work, but don't have fulfilling personal relationships, or vice-versa.

In my observation the people with the most satisfaction in life are the ones that play full out in all areas.  Sure, there are risks: rejection, financial loss, broken hearts, not getting the winning run, etc.  But, when we play not to lose we pretty much guarantee that we'll never experience the best of what's available to us.  And that, my friends, is a tremendous loss.

As you wrap up the year, take some time to think about the different areas of your life.  Notice where you are playing it safe and where you are playing full out to get the results you truly want.

If you notice an area where you'd like to step up your game, write down how you'd like it to be and put it where you'll see it on a regular basis.  This way you are reminded about what you really want in case you are tempted to slip back into old habits.  Review it often.  Get support if it will help you succeed.  Pretty soon you'll find you've developed a new, more fulfilling habit that will serve you for a lifetime.

Wishing you a winning mindset and a joyful experience in all your pursuits -