The Shakeup

If you can’t win, you have nothing to lose by changing the rules of the game.

Sometimes you’re the front-runner in whatever contest you’re in. You’re the most obvious, best candidate for the job. You have the high bid on the auction. You’re the better golfer. Whatever is happening, if you’re the clear favorite – then stick to it.

But sometimes you’re not. Sometimes you’re the dark horse, the underdog. If everyone plays by the normal rules, you aren’t going to win. Those are some of the most liberating moments you can imagine!

If the normal rules won’t give you the victory, then the opportunity cost of a crazy Hail Mary drops to zero. If you aren’t the best candidate for the role from a traditional viewpoint, then you might as well pitch them with something really bold and crazy. If you don’t have the high bid or the funds to get there, then offer a strange but intriguing trade instead. If you’re not the better golfer, then try out some wild swings or new techniques – or play tennis!

The point is, you aren’t obligated to play by the rules you’ll lose by. The people who win with those rules want you to think you are – but that’s part of the trick. You can always try to shake things up. You won’t always succeed. But that’s the point – you weren’t going to succeed anyway if you didn’t. Under those conditions, you’re as free as you choose to be.

And sometimes when you shake up the rules, you win the game.