Things I learnt from a video game

I am a big fan of EA Sports's Fifa series. Though I love the 98 version for its Indoor matches, But for a year I've been playing 2005 (Not regularly though. Every Sunday or so)..

Initially I found the game quite hard. Used to lose 2-0 to every team inspite of playing with Liverpool. Started a career - Took the Celtic team and changed the game settings to easy. In couple of days I started winning (till then I used to change the team after the first half and score own goals :p ). In couple of weeks I was scoring 6-7 goals per game and I got bored. (1)

Tried playing world class but lost quite badly (lost but only till half time.. afterall I can change sides any time). There was a semi-professional level but wasnt interested in that. Played Professional level and it was 1-1 at half time against Arsenal. It was like that till 80th minute when I had to change side. But I felt I can win in it (which I didnt in world class). So continued with it and in couple of days I started winning with a 1 goal margin (without changing side :) ). (2)

Continued playing in Professional level for three months and I was able to win like 3-0, 2-0. Then there was a time when I just was not able to lose. It was like learning to balance on a cycle. When you learn that, you just cant fall (well, you can but you cant lose balance). It was like batting with no stumps. I got bored again and for the second time I thought about playing world class but this time a bit seriously as I liked getting bowled sometimes.

World class was tough but I was expecting that. I lost 2-0 and 3-0 but I continued as I wanted the stumps. It was more fun losing 1-0 in world class than winning 3-0 in Professional. But losing here means only till 75th or 80th minute. By now, you must have guessed what I do after that :) But right now, I can win 1-0 or 2-1 in world class but against minor teams.

Today, I was at my friend's place and he had this game. Was time for me to show off my soccer skills. Put the game in Professional level and Picked Liverpool against Chelsea. Half time score : 4-0!!!! That was my biggest victory margin in Professional level without 'opposition' putting own goals!! My friend was impressed. I too was but I was more surprised than Impressed at my own improvement. (3)

What I learnt :

1) To Never take any work thats too easy or less. Firstly, I will get bored. Secondly, I wont get to improve & When faced with a bigger challenge, I wont be able to deal with it.

2) Confidence Matters!!! With confidence, anything can be accomplished 90% times. There is 10% chance of failure but with no confidenc, 90% I wont even attempt it.

3) Having good company is important and equally important is to have successful rivals. One cant go wrong competing with the best and aiming to reach their levels.

4) Tough situations should be welcomed. When you face them and deal with them successfully, you can easily tackle other minor things which you considered challenging so far.