Let the Game Begin: Lessons in Risk, Reward, and Strategic Decision-Making

The opening play is crucial in football—it sets the tone for the entire game. It’s a calculated decision when the kickoff return player decides to take a knee, opting for a touchback instead of a risky run.

The football is placed on the twenty-yard line, eighty yards from the goal line, with the offensive team ready to pursue success. This initial positioning serves as a metaphor for the buffer zone in business and life—a space where security exists. However, bold decisions are required to advance toward more significant achievement.

The First Play: A Metaphor for Risk and Reward

As the offense considers its first play, the decision between a long, risky pass or a safer, short run mirrors the choices business leaders and individuals face daily. A long pass—aiming for a substantial gain—requires the quarterback to drift back, wait for a receiver to be free of the defense, and trust the offense line will protect him, just as a business might need to invest resources and time or, require a decision in a high-stakes venture. The potential reward is significant, but so is the risk of failure. Alternatively, a running play advancing the ball incrementally represents a more conservative or cautious approach—small, safe steps toward progress.

In both scenarios, the relationship between risk and reward is evident. As author Iveta Cherneva wisely puts it, “Only those who play win. Only those who risk win.” This principle holds true in business and life, where every decision involves weighing potential gains against the possibility of setbacks.

The Correlation of Risk and Reward in Life

Life’s decisions—whether to start a business, attend college, or move to a new city—are akin to play-calling in football. Each choice involves a risk-reward calculation. For instance, starting a business might mean giving up the safety of a regular paycheck in exchange for the potential of greater financial security and personal fulfillment. The pursuit of success, however, should never be overshadowed by the fear of failure.

As Theodore Roosevelt famously said, “The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood… who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause.” This quote emphasizes the importance of taking risks and embracing challenges, knowing that even in failure, there is value in the effort.

The Importance of Strategy and Execution

Once the decision is made, the team—or, in business, the organization—executes the play. The huddle, where the strategy is decided upon and assignments are given, represents the planning phase in business. Each player’s role is crucial, even if their contribution seems minor. Success is achieved through collective effort and precise execution.

In the initial play, the running back gains a few yards. While the progress may seem minimal, it is a step closer to the goal. This scenario highlights the incremental nature of success—whether in football, business, or life. Small victories accumulate, gradually moving you toward your ultimate objective.

Facing Challenges and Finding Support

Just as a running back faces opposition on the field, business leaders and individuals encounter obstacles in their pursuit of success. However, for every challenge, there is also support—teammates, colleagues, mentors, or even friends who assist in overcoming hurdles. Identifying and leveraging this support is crucial for achieving your goals.

Aldous Huxley’s words, “There are things known, and there are things unknown, and in between are the doors of perception,” remind us that our perceptions shape our reality. By viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, we can shift our mindset from fear to optimism and resilience.

The Game of Life and Business

“First and Ten on the Twenty… Is it Football, Business, or Life?” draws parallels between football strategies and the decisions we make in business and life. The objective in business is profitability, and the overall goal in life should be happiness. Both will require a series of strategic decisions; some decisions will be easy and intuitive, while others will require careful planning and execution.

As with the beginning of any sporting event, the crowd cheers—both for and against you. The same can be said as you start a business and move through the ups and downs of life. There will be those who will cheer you on and support you, and there will be those who are looking for any miscue to cheer for that scenario. In business and life, it’s essential to focus on the supporters and ignore the detractors. The process of achieving success involves overcoming obstacles, learning from failures, and continuously moving forward.

Conclusion

Ultimately, both business and life can be likened to a game, where the rewards are happiness and profit. The game has commenced, and with strategic planning, calculated risks, and the support of a strong team, success is well within reach of anyone.

This blog post draws on the insights from the sixth chapter, “Let the Game Begin”, of my book “First and Ten on the Twenty…is it Football, Business or Life?”, where twenty-four aspects of the business and game of football are explored in depth on how they can be applied to business and life.  For more on strategic planning and achieving business excellence, delve into the full text and discover how to apply these principles. https://toddsmithconsulting.com/author/