Do you remember those endless summer days spent playing Marco Polo in the pool or Hotter/Colder in the backyard? It turns out those childhood games were teaching us more than just how to have fun—they were giving us a blueprint for making decisions, especially when we don’t have a clear end goal in mind. Let’s take a little trip down memory lane and see how these games can help us navigate life’s choices.
Marco Polo: Trusting Your Inner Voice
In Marco Polo, you have to listen closely and move toward the voice calling “Polo.” You might not see exactly where you’re going, but you trust the process, adjusting your direction as you hear “Marco” and respond with “Polo.”
Life can feel like that sometimes, right? We often don’t have a clear picture of our final destination. Instead, we have an internal voice, a sense of what feels right, or encouragement from trusted friends or mentors. When you’re making decisions, try tuning into that inner voice or external guidance. Each step might not reveal the entire path, but it will get you closer to where you need to be. Trust that moving toward what resonates with you will bring you nearer to your true calling.
Hotter/Colder: Following Your Feelings
Hotter/Colder is all about feedback. You move around, testing different directions, and listen as others tell you if you’re getting “warmer” or “colder.” The warmer you get, the closer you are to your goal.
Life decisions work the same way. You might not know exactly what your end goal is, but you can sense whether a choice feels “warmer” or “colder.” Does this new job opportunity excite you? That’s warmer! Does the thought of moving to a new city fill you with dread? That’s colder. By paying attention to how your choices make you feel, you can navigate towards what brings you joy and fulfillment.
Bringing the Games to Life
- Listen and Adjust: Just like in Marco Polo, listen to your inner voice or external cues. Make small adjustments as you go. It’s okay not to see the whole picture.
- Feel Your Way Forward: Use your feelings as your guide in Hotter/Colder. Move towards what feels “warmer,” what excites and energizes you.
- Stay Open and Curious: Be open to changing direction. Sometimes, what felt warm might cool down, and that’s okay. Stay curious and flexible.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Each step closer to “warmer” or the sound of “Polo” is a victory. Celebrate these small wins as they guide you toward your bigger goals.
Life might not come with a clear map, but by using the principles of Marco Polo and Hotter/Colder, we can navigate our way to fulfilling and meaningful destinations. So, the next time you’re faced with a decision, remember these games from your childhood. Trust your instincts, listen to the cues, and move towards what feels right.
I’d love to hear about a time when you used your inner Marco Polo or Hotter/Colder skills to make a decision. Share your story with us!
