10 Life Lessons From Chess – A Game Changer!

# Chess isn’t just a game on a black and white board. It’s a *powerful* metaphor for life’s daily challenges. If you Wonder how a board game could transform your life? You’re in the right place!

I have looked at life as a game of chess since I was in my 20s. I work out my next moves and always have short term and long term plans.

Here are 10 lessons you can learn from chess:

## **1. Think Ahead in Life. Like Chess.**
Chess winners don’t just think about their next move. They plan three, four, even *ten moves ahead*! Life works the same way.

When making decisions, are you just solving today’s problem? Or considering how that choice affects your future? Successful people map out scenarios *before* making their move.

Even with this youtube channel I am thinking what I’ll do months and years ahead. For example, I aim to monetise the channel with really useful AI programs but that is months down the line.

Remember this: While your friends play checkers, *you* should be playing chess.

## **2. Understand the Game. And the People in It.**
Chess masters don’t just memorize moves. They study their opponents.

Life is no different. Know the “rules” of your workplace, relationships, or community. This gives you an edge.

What motivates them? What do they value? How do they decide things? This knowledge helps you navigate tricky situations and builds stronger connections.

When I was in the corporate world I applied for many internal jobs to get promotion. Before the interview I would arrange to visit someone close to the manager advertising the job. There were 2 reasons. Firstly, to find out more about the job so I could answer all the interview questions. And secondly, the manager would normally find out and see that I was keen. At the interview, if the manager didn’t mention that I had gone to see his colleague then I would mention it. I got 2 jobs this way.

## **3. Know Your Strengths. These Are Your Chess Pieces.**
In chess, each piece moves uniquely. Knights move in L-shapes. Bishops travel diagonally.

What are *your* personal “chess pieces”? Maybe you are creative. Or analytical. Perhaps empathetic. Or determined.

Your strengths are your greatest assets. Identify them and Develop them.

Like the chess champion Garry Kasparov said – “You must always be aware of your limitations and also of your best qualities.”

## **4. Consider Risks and Rewards. Before You Move.**
Every chess move has consequences. That aggressive attack might win a piece. Or it might leave your king exposed.

Life’s big decisions work the same way. That new job? That relationship? That investment?

Ask yourself: “What could go wrong? What could go right? And Is this worth the risk?”

One of the biggest moves I have made is to leave England back in 1990. I weighed up the outcomes and decided the possible rewards were worth the risks. I was right.

## **5. Seize Opportunities. Like in Chess.**
Chess players know this. Opportunities don’t come with flashing lights!

That tiny opening in your opponent’s defense? It might lead to victory.

Life presents similar moments. A chance conversation. An unexpected connection. An idea for a sideline that comes up.

Winners in chess – and in life – watch for these moments. And are *ready to act*.

When I saw that it was possible to make money from photography I went for it. I have uploaded nearly 50,000 images and made hundreds of thousands of dollars from them.

## **6. Life is Unpredictable. Adapt Your Plans.**
Even grandmasters abandon perfect strategies when opponents surprise them.

Your life plan will face unexpected challenges too. The pandemic taught us *all* this lesson!

The question isn’t *if* plans will be disrupted. It’s how quickly you can adapt when they are.

Flexibility isn’t weakness. It’s wisdom.

In Garry Kasparov’s book *How Life Imitates Chess* he says “The ability to adapt is critical to success,” underscoring the need to be adaptable.

## **7. You Can’t Control Everything. Accept Uncertainty.**
Chess players understand they can’t control their opponent’s moves.

We can’t control other people’s decisions. Or economic shifts. Or natural disasters.

Trying to control the uncontrollable leads to frustration. Focus on what you *can* influence. Your responses. Your attitude. Your next move.

Control the controllable and Release the rest.

I’ve got a motto – If you can do something about a problem, do it, if you can’t do anything about it then there is no point worrying about it.

## **8. Learn From Mistakes. Every Loss Teaches Something.**
The best chess players review their losses carefully. Where did they go wrong? What patterns did they miss?

Life’s setbacks contain valuable lessons. If you’re willing to look honestly.

That failed project? That broken relationship? That missed opportunity?

There’s gold in that pain. If you’re brave enough to find it.

## **9. Every Life is Unique. Every Game is Different.**
No two chess games are identical. Even with the same openings, games evolve differently.

Your life journey is just as unique. Don’t compare your path to others. That’s like a chess player frustrated because their game doesn’t match a famous champion’s.

Your moves, challenges, and victories are *yours alone*.

There are more possible chess games than atoms in the universe. There are also that many ways to live your life.

Chart your own adventurous course.

## **10. Winning Isn’t Everything. Enjoy the Journey.**
Yep, checkmate is the goal in chess. But true joy comes from playing the game. Finding possible solutions. Executing strategies and Growing through challenges.

Life works the same way. Achievements matter. But obsessing over “winning” makes you miss the fun of the game.

The game of life isn’t just about the destination. It’s about *the route you take to get there*.

I actually find I am most alive when things go against me – like when I ran out of money, twice. It makes me fight harder.

These lessons can help you navigate life’s complex game. With more confidence and more joy.