Some days, life feels like a series of frustrating problems, and it’s hard to know how to move forward. But what if we borrowed a mindset from games? In games, challenges are levels to beat. They’re not roadblocks—they’re opportunities to advance.
When we start thinking of challenges as levels, something shifts. Instead of feeling overwhelmed or defeated, we could see obstacles as part of the process. In a game, every level teaches you something: you gain skills, pick up tools, and get experience for the next one. Life works the same way—struggles help us gather what we need to keep moving forward.
Take going to the gym for the first time. It’s like Level 1 in a game. You’re figuring out the basics—where the locker room is, how the machines work, even when the gym is the least crowded. It’s awkward and unfamiliar, but that’s the point of Level 1: it’s about learning. Once you’ve got the basics down, you’re ready for Level 2—building a routine and getting comfortable with your environment.
When I try something new, it’s the same experience as picking up a video game for the first time. Even if I’ve used a controller before, I still have to figure out which button makes the character jump or move. I’m not sure which symbols to avoid or use. So, I start slow, take small steps, and make mistakes until I figure out what works.
Looking at challenges like levels helps me be gentler with myself. I can accept that I don’t know everything yet, and that’s okay. This mindset keeps me focused on learning instead of getting stuck in frustration.
Treating challenges like levels doesn’t make them easy, but it does make them feel doable. It reminds us that each attempt is a step toward something bigger. We don’t have to master it all at once—every level is its own lesson, helping us build the tools we need for what’s next.
ACTION: Think about a current challenge in your life. How can you reframe it as a “level” to beat? Identify the next small step—whether it’s learning the basics, asking for help, or just trying that first move. Start there, and remember: even the smallest progress is a win toward leveling up.
