Life is like a game of poker... (INSANE rags to riches story)
Read time: 4 minutes
Life is like a game of poker...
In life we all spawn into this world clueless of who we are, where we came from, and why we are here.
Maybe prior to incarnating we know - but before getting here we forget.
So we one day become conscious (hopefully) and look around wondering...
...and we begin to notice some differences.
Some people are wealthier while some are poorer.
Some people don't look the same as us.
Some people are happy others are sad.
Some people live across the world.
And on and on.
Circumstances, conditions, and the side characters to our lives are randomized...
...like the cards being dealt in a game of poker...
...and then the game begins.
Some people naturally play the game better than others.
Some people are taught how to play by their parents... others aren't.
Some people don't even try to play the game... others make it their mission to win it.
Then somewhere along the way we might begin to believe that other people win the game because of the cards they're dealt.
"They have more kings than I do"
"Yeah, well it's easy for them they had an ace up their sleeve"
"Their parents gave them better cards than mine gave me"
It's pretty funny actually.
But that isn't completely true.
It's not the cards we're dealt...
...it's the person playing them.
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“
Life is like a game of poker; you have to play the hand you’re dealt. A wise player can play a weak hand and win the game.
— Rick Warren
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Playing a weak hand and winning
Throughout my life I've thought of myself as an underdog.
The odds haven't been in my favor...
...but I still have always known deep inside I could win anyways.
"Against all odds."
That's a saying myself and a past partner would say...
...we both grew up in some pretty questionable circumstances...
...the cards we were dealt weren't exactly winning hands...
...but we decided to say fuck it, we are going to win anyways.
Now I don't even talk to that person anymore...
...but that powerful pact still touches something deep inside of me.
I refused (and still refuse) to allow the cards to dictate how well I can play the game.
So along the way I began to hunt for other people like me that I could look up to.
Others who decided they weren't going to let the cards they were dealt stop them from winning the game.
And I share this for one particular reason today:
Nobody wins being a victim.
We all are guilty of playing the victim from time to time.
And although some people are truly suffering some shitty circumstances, conditions, and side characters...
...at a certain point we all are responsible for our life story...
...and what we decide to do with the cards we're dealt.
Today I'll share a bit about the man that inspired me the most early on:
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Now before I jump into his story I want to address the 'ugly' parts.
Yes this guy cheated on his wife with a maid.
Yes he's done some questionable things throughout his life.
So what?
Get off your high horse - nobody is a saint.
Every single person is f*cked up to some extent.
All of our 'heroes' and 'peers' have dark shadows lurking in the corners.
You included.
Me as well.
Learn from them rather than judge (at least that's my opinion so take it for what it is).
Now to the inspiring story of some random dude from Austria.
—
Arnold grew up in a small town called Thal in Austria right after World War 2.
His country was depressed and in partial shambles.
Growing up taught to stay in line, follow the expectations, and stick to the norms of his surroundings...
...he began to question it all.
Was he meant to follow in the footsteps of those around him?
To have a 'normal' life?
No.
He felt he was born to do something special and to be someone unique.
One day at school around age 11 he saw a documentary about America.
The skyscrapers, lifestyle, and abundance left an impression on him.
doesn’t know “how”… walk and the path shall reveal itself
"That is where I will go one day."
The first seeds of his vision were planted.
Of course he doesn’t know “how”…
...but as the wise one said...
...walk and the path shall reveal itself.
Some time later while browsing in a store he catches the glimpse of a bodybuilding magazine.
On the cover of that magazine was a man named Reg Park.
Reg had a powerful rags to riches story that gave Arnold the blueprint for his life.
Reg came from poverty in Leeds, England...
...he later fell in love with bodybuilding and training like a mad man...
...started winning Mr. Universe competitions...
...became a movie star and played Hercules...
...and amassed millions of dollars, fame, and a legacy.
Arnold now had the secret ingredient to success:
A clear vision.
He knew where he was going...
...and he knew it was possible because someone else had already carved a path.
“
When you have a goal, a vision, everything becomes easy.
— Arnold Schwarzenegger
So Arnold casted his vision for the 'Reg Park blueprint':
"I became more and more certain about my own future as I read this story.
I was so excited so interested I knew exactly that I wanted to become another Reg Park.
I know he laid out the blueprint for my life.
I could see myself, I could visualize myself clearly to be a champion on that same stage where he won mr. universe.
And then the move to America, then get into movies, and then become rich and famous."
So as a teenager Arnold began training like a mad man...
...and before long was winning contest after contest...
...and doing everything possible to realize his vision.
…and before long he was a champion bodybuilder living in America as planned.
He said:
“
I had that vision very clearly laid out. I was so happy that I knew exactly where I was going. From that moment on everything that I did no matter how hard I had to work or how much I had to struggle it didn’t matter… It was a wonderful joyride because I knew what the purpose was and I found my passion. The simple truth is if you don’t have a vision, if you don’t have a goal, if you don’t see your future laid out in front of you, you’re just floating around without a purpose.
— Arnold Schwarzenegger
Once Arnold was in America his work-ethic was unmatched:
- Training 5 hours per day in the gym.
- Running a bricklaying business.
- Going to college at night.
- Taking acting classes.
Before long he was the #1 bodybuilder in the world…
...a self-made millionaire businessman before ever staring in a movie...
...the highest paid actor in the world...
...married into the equivalent of a royal family (the Kennedy's) in the United States...
...and held the highest political position possible for an immigrant as the Governor of California.
Arnold Schwarzenegger has accomplished more in one lifetime than almost anyone on this planet.
Just one of his accomplishments would put most people at the top...
...let alone all of them.
Can you see why his story inspired an underdog like myself?
He embodies the 'Against All Odds' ethos.
And it all started because some little kid in Austria decided he was meant for more...
...and then casted a clear vision for his life.
According to him:
“
I think it's the most important thing that we have a very clear vision of where we go a goal where do we go because you can have the best ship in the world you can have the best cruise liner but if the captain does not know where to go that ship will drift around the world and out there that sea and we'll never end up anywhere this is exactly the way it is in real life if you don't have a core if you don't have a vision you just drift around you're not gonna be happy.
— Arnold Schwarzenegger
This is why I always start by creating a clear vision with my clients.
If you don't have a clear vision - get one as soon as possible.
It's the secret ingredient in my opinion.
If manifestation was a recipe it might look like this:
Combine (1) crystal clear vision with a delusion-ally optimistic, high vibrational, and resilient state of mind...
...allow it to marinate with a copious quantity of visualization and energetic alignment...
...add a dash of daily inspired action for good measure...
...allow to cook as long as needed...
...and enjoy with a nice glass of "fuck yeah... I knew it would work".
I digress but you get the idea. ;)
Find someone who models the life you know you could live...
...study their story as a blueprint to do the same...
...and then go all in.
If a poor kid in Austria with questionable cards could win the game...
...why can't you?
As a reminder...
...you need a good poker face to win at poker...
...and as we discussed last week this means you gotta learn to keep it gangster.
Don't let your current results or circumstances (your current hand of cards) dictate your State of Mind.
Know you are destined for greatness and have infinite potential.
You are here to be, do, and have more...
...now act like it.
Life is too damn short and awesome to not chase your dreams.
Cast a clear vision and commit to it with all your heart.
I'm right by your side the whole way through.
That's all I got for this week.
Much love my friend :)
If you liked this letter:
- Share it with a friend
- Reply telling me why
See you next time and as always...
Rooting for you 💪
–Christopher
“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” - Confucius
