Playing The Long Game
"Old Money" is a long game. Accept that fact, embrace it, and prosper.
Article contribution by Byron Tully
Photo: Padmanabh Singh ©Instagram
As you start out in life, you’ll be able to categorize many decisions and choices into two columns: the short game and the long game.
The short game is instant gratification, the something-for-nothing, get-rich-quick play, the thing you can have or do right now for (apparently) very little cost. Minor issues may be fine for this.
But beware if this becomes a habit. You don’t want to become known as a Short. The people Playing It Short are looking for every angle, every clever trick, every slick advantage in order to make the quick dollar, the extra dollar, the last dollar, right now. They lack perspective and are invariably insecure. Their gains are, by definition, short term. Lacking goodwill from the world they constantly hustle, if they fall on hard times, they quickly end up broke, and broken.
The long game is different. It’s delayed gratification, the investment of time and resources in a worthwhile, long term goal, the thing you have to work for.
Play The Long Game. You’ll be a richer person for it. And you’ll be a rich person longer. The things you accomplish as you endeavor on this path will endure and provide a deeper sense of satisfaction. The sacrifices will be forgotten, or savored in memory.
The Long Game Players you meet along the way will be more generous and more empathetic to you. They can afford to be: they aren’t scraping for the next quick buck. They advise wisely. They negotiate fairly. They share easily.
