Lessons From the GaGa Pit

I was recently talking to the kids about their second-grade recess activities. GaGa Ball is a fan favorite, a real grade school tried-and-true. Curious, I asked them if anyone in the class was particularly good. Both kids immediately blurted out, "Ezra!" Ezra, they tell me, dominates GaGa Ball.

I haven't spent meaningful time watching their class play GaGa, but this answer surprised me. I know the kids well enough to know who the athletes are (I’ve coached many of them), and Ezra doesn't live in the athlete cohort in my mind. What I know about Ezra is that he's a brilliant little guy. He's one of the most insightful and intelligent second-graders I know.....but I've never seen him play a sport before.

Now, I was extremely curious! "So, Ezra is the best?" "Yeah, Dad, he wins all the time!"

"What makes Ezra so good at GaGa Ball?"

"He does a really good job dodging the ball, and he lets everyone hit the ball out of bounds and get themselves out."

Ah, I love it. Ezra's secret weapon is to be smart, patient, and not try to do too much. It's not a glamorous approach, but in the opinion of my two kids, it makes him the best GaGa Ball player on the lot.

I think we could all learn something from Ezra. Be smart, be patient, and not try to do too much. If us adults would follow this strategy, it would save so many of us from the heartaches we cause ourselves.

Everyone seems to be out here swinging for the fences, trying to look good, seeking instant gratification, and chasing it. Meanwhile, the Ezras of the world are playing the long game, disregarding some perceived status others are trying to earn. He's not in the business of looking good or letting his emotions win over.....he's in the business of winning.

What if we handled our investments like Ezra? Smart, patient, not trying to do too much. Most people would have dramatically better returns if they would just stay the course and not try to time or outsmart the market.

What if we handled our spending like Ezra? Smart, patient, not trying to do too much. Most people would have far less debt, be much more measured, and spend primarily on things that align with their values.

What if we handled our careers like Ezra? Smart, patient, not trying to do too much. Most people would have far more contentment and would more confidently work their way up their respective ladders. They wouldn't feel the need to jump ship to the next shiny object, and would be far more willing to consistently put in the work to succeed.

I love this Ezra story. I told my kids that Ezra's strategy is something to learn from. We don't always have to be a hero. We don't always have to make the dramatic play. Sometimes, we need to be smart, patient, and not try to do too much. Well played, Ezra, well played!

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