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.
Why? Because they’re in it for the long haul, too.
Play the long game in your priorities. Health, education, family, financial independence…these things take time to develop and maintain, but the payoff is sterling.
Play the long game with your wardrobe. Invest in traditional-style, well-made clothing that will endure, oblivious to the whims of fashion.
Play the long game with your investments. Invest, rather than speculate. Look for steady gains and real value.
Play the long game with people. Know the difference between networking and developing relationships. Be sincere.
Old Money is a long game. Accept that fact, embrace it, and prosper.
- BGT
Thank you Byron; wise words as always.
Agree with SM. I believe it was Beverly Sills, the opera singer, who once said “There are no shortcuts to anyplace worth going.”
That’s a great quote. Thank you, Bev. Hope your summer is going well. – BGT
Hi Byron.
Recently purchased The Old Money book and I am enjoying it.
As I am reading through old post, I tend to see a theme stated over and over as a kind reminder as well as for new people locating this blog.
Classic dress, playing the long game and taking care of others. I could go on, but you know what I mean.
Recently, I decided to play the long game in a purchase. By waiting, it will mean more to me in the end instead of emptying my account to acquire. In the mean time, I have traversed to ebay to gather other items. To date, I have done rather well budgeting my clothes from the staples you and others mention. Surprisingly, I do have some old money clothing, but gathering and practicing classic dressing hones skills for later and better quality.
One of my long game cores is health as I sectioned my weight loss out into monthly quarters to keep an eye on. Though I have failed a few times, I learn from my mistakes and locate where the fails start, then continue on. Currently, I redirected my start over and now feel more confident to make a better change.
I share this because of my recent journey into Old Money “Guides”. I say guides because of the wisdom brought forth from both men and women in the comment section.
As I continue to learn, I am much grateful, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you all.
~Curls Like Smoke