Well, this title makes you think twice.  With that in mind, I will give my two trains of thought.  One, are we serious about a win?  or two, are we just playing at it?  Let's cut to the chase and say it as it is.   It's either down to a determined mindset or a cautious mindset.

The questions you should be asking yourself are:- What am I playing?  Why do I want to play?  What is the reward?

For me, it is always playing with a winner's mindset.  The word 'lose' rarely enters my head.  I do not give it much thought or put energy to expand on the negativity of the word 'lose.  My mind is always creating the space to grow, with a results-driven mindset to succeed.

Several things come to mind when we talk about a WIN.  For example, what does winning mean to you?  Is it a sense of achievement?  A financial gain?  Or is the ego playing a part too?

How daring are you?  And how much do you want it? 

We also need to be clear with the rules, criteria, pitfalls, consequences, and rewards.  Then comes the strategy, structure, practice to win.  In some cases, I often hear people use the term.  I am just going to 'wing it'.  I am not too fond of this term.  It shows half an attempt to do something or confuses others that you know what you are talking about when you don't really.  One should make every effort to do the homework, know your stuff correctly, and deliver confidently.  If we play the game, let's be even more intelligent than the people who have created it.  Always be focused, with the end in mind at the beginning, and get a better understanding of your audience.

Always do your homework on the subject, ask lots of questions, prepare the main points of interest, and know the bigger picture.  The more you play, the more practice you get, the better you will get.  Do it with focus and determination that it becomes second nature or that good it feels like you are on autopilot mode.

If you are going to play to win, focus only on the win and get a sense of how you will feel when you win, how you will celebrate, and with whom.  Just remember, the essential thing is the people who are part of your team, your cheerleaders, and those who help you in all aspects of doing your personal best.   You have to be outstanding to 'stand out as a winner.   If it is worth doing, do it with a winner's mindset.

Together, we are winners, and we play to WIN.