“I play for food.” | Organize to Simplify

I enjoy the game of golf. More appropriately, I enjoy the four hours of social connection and if there happens to be some golf thrown in, all the better.

Every once in a while I feel a need to participate in some golf competition. Don’t get me wrong, I’m kind of a competitive girl, but competing in golf can get me really twisted up and the competition takes a bit of the shine off the enjoyment of the game. So, when I play competitive golf, I choose the mindset of “I play for food.”

Why does this work for me?

“Playing for food” shifts my perspective from the competition to something I enjoy much more . . . the social aspect.
As a general rule, golf competitions involve some pretty good breakfast, lunch or dinner cuisine. Win.
Meals provide the perfect social atmosphere to engage with people of similar passion. Win. Win.
Whether you win or lose, the food is the same. Win. Win. Win.

How can you make this philosophy work for you? Shift your perspective.

Do you need to have a difficult employee conversation?

If a difficult conversation is necessary, chances are the employee is feeling stress and tension also. Ask yourself “What’s the most common, positive outcome this conversation can have?” Even if the only common, positive outcome is more broadened understanding between both parties, win, win. Perspective shift.

Are you stressed out about an upcoming difficult negotiation?

Negotiations are tough. The best outcome is that someone agrees to your terms, the worst is that they won’t. Shifting our perspective from “What’s the best possible thing that can happen?” and visualizing that outcome versus “I know they are going to try to cheat me out of what I’m worth.

” will provide a positive base for how you present yourself. Perspective shift.

Are you throwing a party and are completely stressed-out about your house?

There was a time when having a party in my home practically made me physically ill. I was certain people were judging me based on my decorating style (which there’s not a lot of) and the quality of the food (I’m also not an adventurous cook). Then someone said the most thoughtful thing: “We really enjoy coming to your home. It’s so comfortable and the food isn’t pretentious.” Wow! The stress and the worry about things not being perfect had completely overshadowed the enjoyment of inviting people to our home. Perspective shift.

What fears could you let go of if you shifted your perspective to expect only positive outcomes?

Cindy Jobs, COC, ACC

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