Mastering the Game of Life: How Strategy, Mentorship, and Self-Awareness Shape Success

Life can often feel like a game, complete with moments of triumph, loss, and the constant need to strategize your next move. For Rasheed, the parallels between life and games run deep. In this episode of Intentional Movement Podcast, Rasheed opens up about how childhood lessons from his favorite game, Connect Four, evolved into guiding principles for his business ventures and personal development.

From growing up in a household where strategy games were a favorite pastime to navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, Rasheed reveals how the mindset of winning—and learning from losses—has influenced his journey.

1. Strategy and Mindset: Lessons from Connect Four

Rasheed’s early love for Connect Four wasn't just about having fun; it became a metaphor for life. The game taught him critical lessons about thinking ahead, adapting to challenges, and learning from mistakes. These principles are the foundation of his approach to both business and personal growth.

“Every loss in Connect Four was an opportunity to rethink my strategy,” Rasheed shares. “Life works the same way. Your failures are just moves that didn’t go as planned—they’re not the end of the game.”

2. The Power of Failure and Resilience

In life and business, failure is inevitable. Rasheed discusses how his setbacks, from losing a parent to facing financial challenges, became defining moments that reshaped his mindset. “Failure isn’t final unless you let it be,” he explains. “Every loss is a lesson, and the quicker you learn, the faster you grow.”

By embracing failure, Rasheed has honed the ability to pivot, recalibrate, and come back stronger—a trait critical for entrepreneurs and leaders alike.

3. Mentorship: The Cheat Code for Success

According to Rasheed, mentorship is the ultimate cheat code in the game of life. By surrounding himself with mentors who challenge and inspire him, Rasheed has unlocked new levels of personal and professional growth.

“Mentors aren’t there to play the game for you; they’re there to guide you to your next move,” Rasheed emphasizes. “Their wisdom saves you time, energy, and unnecessary mistakes.”

Mentorship has also helped Rasheed navigate evolving friendships, accountability, and the delicate balance of protecting his purpose while growing his network.

4. Balancing Light and Dark Forces

Life isn’t just about success and strategy—it’s about balance. Rasheed dives into the duality of navigating light and dark forces, such as overcoming self-doubt while maintaining confidence, or balancing ambition with gratitude.

“Knowing how to manage your darker emotions—fear, anger, doubt—while leaning into your strengths is essential for long-term success,” Rasheed says.

5. Living with Intention: Protecting and Investing in Your Purpose

The episode concludes with a powerful discussion on purpose. Rasheed highlights the importance of self-awareness in identifying your purpose and the intentional steps needed to nurture it.

“It’s not enough to know your purpose; you have to protect it and invest in it daily,” he says. “Purpose is what fuels you when the game gets tough.”

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a creative, or simply someone looking to improve their life, Rasheed’s insights serve as a roadmap for leveling up.

Key Takeaways:

• Approach life like a game: plan your moves, embrace failure, and learn from every experience.

• Seek mentorship as a way to fast-track your growth and avoid unnecessary mistakes.

• Balance light and dark forces to maintain emotional and mental resilience.

• Define your purpose, protect it, and commit to investing in your personal development.