You might not choose the hand you’re dealt, but you’ve gotta play it

The more we understand about genetics, epigenetics, childhood dynamics, and environmental factors the more we are beginning to realize that we don’t have a lot of control over how we turn out. In a lot of ways, adult you was predetermined by things beyond your control. But the you of tomorrow isn’t.

So often we turn to the things beyond our control to explain why we haven’t been successful at a given pursuit. We blame our genetics for why we aren’t a pro bodybuilder. And in that instance we are 100% correct. Most of us do not have the genetics to be a pro anything. But just because we can’t be the best isn’t an excuse to not be better.

So while all of these things that happened to you are beyond your control, the things that you do are not. There’s no predetermined limit on how hard you can work. There’s no ceiling to being a better person. There’s no genetic component to consistency in practice.

So take that hand you’ve been dealt and play it like it’s a royal flush. Bluff, blind, and bet your way into a jackpot. Because no one can give you a new hand but champions aren’t made by luck. Life, like poker, really is a game of skill.