The game of solitaire focuses on solo play.
Right there is a life lesson but first let’s review the game of solitaire before we get too far.
I mean some people likely do not know how to play the game of solitaire. RIGHT?
Actually, I am sadly positive of this fact. Many kids today (OMG- that sounds soooo old) simply do not play the classics. We have absolutely become a video game world. Now, just to be clear, I am not against Minecraft, Mario Kart and Grand Theft Auto (well, maybe a little anti a few of them). However, those classics are classics for a reason!
Having said all of that, I do love that these classics have been modernized as I would much rather play some of these games on my phone, ipad or computer. It is super convenient for travel, the number of solitaire variations is seemingly endless, and statistics are easy to track.
We can learn life lessons in any number of places. The more that we are exposed to life’s most important lessons the more enriched our lives will be. So let’s get on to those life lessons that we can learn from playing a game of solitaire.
- Sometimes the most obvious move is not always the best move. In life, as in the game, when we see something obvious our instinct is to do it. However, delaying gratification may be the move with bigger rewards.
- Looking at all of the information available will allow you to make a more informed decision. In cards that means looking at all of the cards that have been dealt. In life, it is pretty much the same.
- Competition is healthy, even when against yourself. In the game of solitaire, we are trying to improve our stats by playing faster and better. In life, when we are working to always be the very best person that we can be we are “competing” against the self that we are improving.
- A healthy amount of alone time is fun and healthy. We do not always need other people to amuse us. We, in fact, need this type of self-efficacy to be able to motivate ourselves into action, and to behave properly in social environments.
- Everything can change in an instant. The cards can turn and so can life’s circumstances. We may feel that we are “losing” at the game or at the game of life and then we shift just one thing and it all changes.
- You have control. You control your moves in the game and you control your moves in life. No one can make you do anything. You have agency over yourself and you can make a different decision.
So there you have it…some of the life lessons that we can learn from playing a game of solitaire. The greatest thing is that there are even more lessons…
What life lessons do you feel we can learn from playings solitaire? Let’s chat about it in the comment section.
And by the way, if you prefer to solve puzzles, or to play games such as Mah Jong or others than you can find those at solitaire.org too. Such games will teach many of the same types of life lessons as referenced above. The hidden object games is another great one for learning and development and there are many to choose from.
I especially liked Mah Jong. The instructions were very helpful. I liked that the information on the history of the game is included on on Solitaire.org and that plenty of tips are to be found right on the site.
MahJong was a very popular game for my mom and hubby’s mom too. I never learned how to play and this electronic version helped me to feel a bit more connected.
For Other Tips on Living Your Best Life:
16 thoughts on “Life Lessons From A Game of Solitaire”
“Sometimes the most obvious move is not always the best move” is the biggest life-lesson I carry with me, from solitaire! I always look at every situation as it is….not as it ought to be!
If we are to take just one lesson, you have certainly picked a great one.
I love these life lessons! Solitaire really is a classic. I wish there was a solitaire app with a more modern look and maybe an extra reward system – I bet it could be so trendy again!
An extra reward system sounds interesting. What do you have in mind?
I have always thought this was an old person game. I never knew it had so much life lessons! I cant wait to play.
That is so interesting to know that you considered it an old person’s game. I am very interested to know how you feel about it after you play.
These things are all so true! I love the idea of competing against yourself. I am always challenging myself to get better.
When we challenge ourselves we are constantly improving. It is a terrific loop of events.
I absolutely agree on everything you’ve said. While playing this kind of game we really need to think about strategies.
When we are strategic we can win a game and we can make our best life decisions.
I really liked all the points that you have talked about, an interesting read. Thanks for sharing!
You are quite welcome. Thanks for reading.
This is an interesting read when you can link Solitaire to life lessons.
Great article!
Thank you. It is a different way to think of playing. We really do learn from everything.
I agree with everything you’ve said. The solitaire game helps you think and be focused on every move that you are going to make. It is sometimes easy, and hard but you have full control over it.
You have full control over your actions and reactions. We get to really use our thinking and logical reasoning skills.