What poker taught me about life

Hey Brother,

Poker is an amazing game.

You sit at a table with other players.

There’s a dealer.

Each player gets a hand of cards.

You have no choice but to play the hand you’re dealt.

You can’t change it.

But here’s the funny part about poker:

The best hand doesn’t always win.

In fact, it RARELY wins.

What matters most is how you play the hand you’ve been given.

Life works the same way.

Some people are dealt a great hand—they are born to wealthy parents, blessed with good looks, and given every advantage.

That’s like being dealt pocket Aces.

The best-starting hand in poker.

Then there are people with a terrible hand—born into a tough situation, with poor genetics, who have to fight to survive.

That’s like being dealt a 2 and a 7 off-suit.

The worst hand in poker.

The flop comes: 4, 6, and 5.

It's not ideal, but pocket Aces are still in the lead.

The turn card? An Ace.

Now it’s even worse for you. The player with pocket Aces now has three of a kind, a very strong hand.

He bets everything.

You only have two cards that can save you—a 3 or an 8 to make a straight.

You should fold.

But you decide, “Screw it,” and call.

The river card? An 8.

You did it!

Your so-called “worst hand” just beat the “best hand.”

All because YOU didn’t quit and played the game with guts.

And, of course, you got a little lucky.

But luck favors those who stay in the game.

Life works the same way.

It’s not just the hand you’re dealt but also how the situation unfolds that determines your results.

A man with the best start can make one bad move and lose everything.

Meanwhile, the guy with the worst start can rise to the top through sheer WILLPOWER.

“But wait, what if the 8 or 3 didn’t show up on the river?”

So what?

Are you only here for money, women, or power?

Or are you here for the joy of playing the game?

Until you die, failure is only in your mind—as long as you keep growing.

I once gave the example of a child playing on the beach.

The child builds a sandcastle.

Then a wave comes and destroys it.

But does the child give up?

No, he simply starts building again.

The child isn’t trying to create the biggest or strongest castle.

He’s just enjoying the process of PLAYING.

Be like that child again,

And you’ll rediscover the joy of living.

-MOS