A few days ago, I stood in for an absent regular at my 75-year-old mother’s weekly card game. I’ve played cards my whole life – across generations, with peers, and even in high-stakes games where the money on the table was serious.
But this? This was different.
These women, most over 1.5 times my age, brought a fire I hadn’t expected. They debated rules mid-hand, playfully bickered over tricks, and tracked every round like seasoned pros. All of this, mind you, with zero money on the line.
The Kissa:
Watching them, it hit me: we often overlook the competitive spirit in our elders. Perhaps as parents, they dial it back to let us find our own “win” while we are growing up. But here, the masks were off. They played full throttle – laughing, strategizing, and refusing to yield. No apologies for the intensity.
The Perspective:
In my 21+ years of corporate life, I’ve often seen people “soften” as they climb the ladder or age into their roles. We call it maturity, but sometimes it’s just the fire going out.
These ladies reminded me that the drive to compete and savor the thrill isn’t a “young man’s game.” It is the secret sauce that keeps us sharp and alive. Professionally or personally, that spark – the refusal to just “go through the motions” – is what separates existing from living.
Whatever your age, don’t drop the spirit. Grab the cards, take the lead, and play like it’s the last hand.
#KissaAndPerspective #CompetitiveSpirit #GrowthMindset #Ageless #LifeLessons #HumanConnection
