The Game of Life

Not too long ago I heard about an influencer who said something along the lines of:
“If you’re in your twenties and working a 9–5 job, you’ve failed at the game of life.”

That stuck with me. Not because I agreed, but because it raised a deeper question:

What do we mean when we say “the game of life”? And is that even life at all?

Life vs. The Game of Life

The first thing that came to mind was this: life itself is not a game.

Most people conflate the social structures we’re born into — jobs, education, money, status — with life. But life is simpler and more fundamental than that. The purpose of life is to sustain life: to eat and drink, to work and rest, to breathe clean air, to enjoy the company of people we love.

The so-called game of life is something else. It’s what society tells us we need:

• Work hard.

• Get a good education.

• Make lots of money.

• Be successful.

But none of these things, by themselves, guarantee a happy, fulfilled, or meaningful life. In fact, they are all huge contributors to stress, and therefore negatively affect our mental health.

Why the Game Still Matters

Here’s the paradox: in order to live a “good” life — however you define good — most of us do need to play the game of life from time to time. Money, career, and education matter in a society built on them.

The real question becomes:
“How can I make money to sustain my life in a way that feels right for me — aligned with my values, supportive of my physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing?”

This is rarely taught by parents or schools. It’s something each of us must learn to answer for ourselves.

What We Actually Need

So maybe the question isn’t “How do I win the game of life?” but rather “How do I win at life?”

Because if you spend your whole existence mastering the game — collecting titles, salaries, and trophies — you may still lose at life itself. In fact, this is often the case.

Let’s step back for a moment. What do we really need to live well?

Food

The first thing that comes to mind is food. Most of us assume we need to buy it — but that’s just the game talking.

People around the world grow their own food, trade, or share within their communities. Even in post-war America, it was common for families to grow their own vegetables. Today, movements like homesteading and permaculture are reviving those traditions.

And it doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. If you live in a city apartment, even growing herbs on a windowsill and cooking more meals at home can shift your relationship with the system. If you have a small yard, you might plant a raised-bed garden (after testing the soil). In many cities, communities have petitioned to turn vacant lots into gardens.

There’s always a step you can take toward eating better, no matter where you live.

Water & Air

We need fresh water and clean air. In some places, they’re abundant; in others, they’re threatened. Protecting these essentials isn’t optional. They’re the very foundation of life itself.

Love & Belonging

We’re social beings. To sustain life, we need love, kindness, and meaningful connection. But not all relationships support us. Toxic, manipulative, or demanding dynamics — even within families — erode life rather than sustain it.

We must each seek out the people who see us, love us, and support us. And when we do have that support, it becomes our responsibility to share it with those who don’t.

Work That Matters

What about the time when we’re not eating or with loved ones?

This is where work comes in — not just any work, but meaningful work. Too many of us are pushed early into paths we didn’t choose. Parents or teachers think they’re helping, but often they’re setting children up to struggle in a system that doesn’t fit.

When people are free to explore what genuinely interests them, they not only thrive — they often find creative ways to make money from their skills. In other words, you can step into the game when you need to, and step out again to focus on what really matters.

What Winning at Life Feels Like

Winning at the game of life can often feel stressful, like you’re always on.

Winning at life feels different. It’s living with joy. It’s being at peace with yourself and those around you. It’s experiencing yourself as part of nature, not apart from it.

Imagine waking up and knowing you can spend the day doing what truly calls to you. Not just on weekends. Not just on vacation. Every day. How would that feel?

Changing the Rules

If enough of us step outside the game in small ways, what becomes possible?

Can we change the rules? Can we make them more inclusive, more supportive — not just of ourselves, but of life itself? Of the earth, and of all the beings we share it with?

This is the quiet revolution: choosing, day by day, to step out of the game long enough to remember what life actually is.

A Question for You

So I’ll leave you with this:

Where in your life are you still playing the game, and where are you ready to step out?

Because to win at life is not to collect points in a game someone else invented. It’s to live in a way that nourishes you, connects you, and feels true.