If you’re fan of Jeopardy! you are certainly aware of the brilliant play of contestant, James Holzhauer. I don’t watch the show every day, but the first time I watched it with Mr. Holzhauer as a contestant it was apparent he was re-writing the book on how to play Jeopardy!
In 22 days he has won $1,691,008 or $76,864 per show. And, he is still champion. I found this this article about him and his philosophy of play intriguing. In it Mr. Holzahauer states that he is selectively aggressive. That is his formula for success. SELECTIVELY AGGRESSIVE.
What is Mr. Holzhauer’s profession? He is a professional gambler which has served him well in his winning streak on Jeopardy!
He goes after the high reward answers (“questions”) right away, frequently bets all he as on the Daily Double, and will bet as much as can on Final Jeopardy! without jeopardizing his chance of winning the game should he be wrong.
By the time the game gets to Final Jeopardy, the outcome of the game has usually been determined and it’s simply a matter of how much Mr. Holzhauer is going to win. In effect, he is maximizing how much can be won each game he plays by willing to risk more than the other contestants. Risk and reward ….. hmmm. They seem to go hand in hand.
Selectively Aggressive
What does selectively aggressive mean? It means taking well calculated risks with potential for high rewards when the odds favor you. I’m sure Mr. Holzhauer’s professionally gambling experience as instructed him well on knowing when the odds are in his favor. Selectively aggressive does not mean simply taking a chance and hoping for the best outcome. It involves study and recognizing when the opportunity comes, and then having the courage to strike and take action.
Mr. Holzhauer also knows the limits of his ability and knowledge. Another important trait. He is confident. He intimidates some of his opponents much like Tiger Woods did in his prime. Mr. Holzhauer knows how to bet on himself.
That is important – betting on yourself – that is. In the end, you are your most valuable asset. You should strive to improve yourself – each day – so you become more valuable.
Too often we play it safe. Playing it safe can lead to a secure life. But, playing it safe will not likely cause you to stretch yourself to become all you can become, achieve all you can achieve, and have all that you deserve for that talents and skills you have been given.
Fear of failure is a big cause that leads us to play it safe. So we limit our chance of failing by becoming passive in the experience of life. We are many times more concerned about what others might think if we fail than the actual failing process.
Here’s the reality. Most people are so involved and concern with their own lives, that they are not thinking of you anyway, and probably won’t think any less of you if you fail at something. So don’t worry about them.
To some degree you have to have an “I don’t care” attitude when it comes to what people think of you. It’s your life, not theirs. You can’t win the lotto if you don’t buy a ticket. You have to play to win at the game of life. In life there are spectators and there are players. Be a player. Let the spectators play it safe.
If you want to achieve all you can achieve and become all you can become, then become selectively aggressive with your decisions and actions. Go for it!
