In April, I sent out an email with the subject line:

How 9to5ers can use the Tetris Effect to find more fun, freedom and success at work

In the email, I floated the idea that seeing our jobs like a game of Tetris could be the key to thriving at work.

But forget Tetris for a mo.

The real idea was that work is just a game.

This is why people approach work in all sorts of weird and wacky ways.

For instance, a lot of corporate folk play the “climb the ladder” game. 

These ladder climbers knuckle down, put the hours in and prioritise their work first & foremost. They know they’re winning their game when they snag a pay rise or a promotion.

Another popular game is the “means to an end” game. 

This is where you work to live rather than live to work. The work-to-live crew know they’re winning their game when they shut their laptop at 5pm and don’t think about work til the next morning.

Then there’s the “good work” game.

This is something Pathless Pather and subscriber to this very newsletter Paul Millerd writes about. It’s the game of finding meaningful work you connect deeply with. You know you’re winning this game when the work itself becomes its own reward.

So yes, there are lots of ways to play the game of work.

In fact, there’s an infinite pick ‘n’ mix available. You can choose whatever work game YOU want to choose and at any time you can go back to the pick ‘n’ mix store, drop some aspects of the game you’re playing and pick up some new ones.

For example, it’s common to see a “climb the ladder” gamer flip to a “means to an end” gamer, maybe with elements of the “good work” game lightly sprinkled in too.

No game is right or wrong though. No game is better or worse than any other game. 

There’s only the game that’s right for you right now.

And whatever that game is, it pays to know. Otherwise don’t be surprised if you keep losing without knowing why (like someone playing chequers when they think they’re playing chess).

It’s also helpful for other people to know your work game.

People can’t help you win a game they don’t know you’re playing. You can find your fellow players this way too.

This is one of the reasons my boss knows exactly what game I’m playing at work. It’s also why I’m writing this email.

My game?

You could call it the “do more coaching game”.

This game involves getting my day job done (and doing it well, lest anyone think I’m half arsing it) while also hunting side-of-desk opportunities to do more workshops, coaching and talks about Mindset & Clarity.

I’ll know I’m winning this game when the side-of-desk part starts taking over my day job.

It’s a bit like the “side hustle game”, albeit my coaching blends with my day job.

It’s another example of how the game of work really is a pick ‘n’ mix limited only by your imagination.

All of which brings me to you.

What game are YOU playing at work? And how do you know when you’re winning that game?

If you like, hit reply and let me know.

I’m genuinely curious to hear what work games you’re playing. 

And if I know your game, maybe I can help you win it. Or at the very least cheer you on from the sidelines.

That’s it for today.

To fulfilment,

Tom