Jenga is a popular game in which players try to remove one block at a time from a tower of 54 identical wooden blocks, and then stack it on top without making the tower fall. The last player to successfully stack a block wins the game.
As the game progresses, blocks are removed and replaced until the foundation is so weak that the entire structure tumbles to the ground. Isn’t that the way some people live their lives?
They borrow money which requires a $50 monthly payment here and a $10 monthly payment there. Then they make only the minimum payment, racking up finance charges with a high interest rate until they are living month-to-month on a financial structure that is weaker than it was the month before.
At work, they want to do as little as they can and get paid as much as possible. They demand more without adding greater value to their employer, until the structure of their team is weaker than it was the day they were hired.
Their foundation of health erodes away with one more piece of cheesecake, and one less day at the gym as they become weaker and weaker. Soon, their health is gone.
How many people do you know who live in Jenga Land, just praying that the next block removed from the foundation of their life is not the one that causes everything to come crashing down?
Is it possible that this describes some part of your own life?
Now…what advice would YOU give to someone living in Jenga Land?
Include your advice in the comments section below. At the end of one week – on Wednesday, March 30th – we will randomly select one commenter to receive a copy of The Street Sweeper.
The winner could be you! Even better, your suggestion could be the one that helps somebody escape from Jenga Land…before it’s too late.
I can emphathize with the scenario painted above. I would suggest that they find a person or support group to contact when they are feeling weak or down to assist them to find a block that will not weaken the foundation and to break the habit. It takes one right move and your foundation can be strong by removing those habits that weaken it. It takes practice practice practice.
I can emphathize with the scenario painted above. I would suggest that they find a person or support group to contact when they are feeling weak or down to assist them to find a block that will not weaken the foundation and to break the habit. It takes one right move and your foundation can be strong by removing those habits that weaken it. It takes practice practice practice.
Awesome advice Christopher. Sometimes all it takes is that one block. That block can be the cornerstone of a strong foundation. Thanks for your comment.
Awesome advice Christopher. Sometimes all it takes is that one block. That block can be the cornerstone of a strong foundation. Thanks for your comment.
Tim, this is so true. We see it all around us, and we must be careful not to let it become true of us. The best tool I know to help me avoid “jengaland” is my Life Plan. A quarterly review will usually reveal the weakest links. We do the same with our budget review against real expenses. Not always fun, but critical to stay on course…
Tim, this is so true. We see it all around us, and we must be careful not to let it become true of us. The best tool I know to help me avoid “jengaland” is my Life Plan. A quarterly review will usually reveal the weakest links. We do the same with our budget review against real expenses. Not always fun, but critical to stay on course…
Totally agree Michael. Measurement and review… then action.
Totally agree Michael. Measurement and review… then action.
Several years ago I read some great financial advice and after I made the last payment on my car loan I vowed to never have another car payment again. The idea is to take the payment you were making and put it into a mutual fund. Then every 4-5 years buy a new car === make car maintanence (oil, tires, etc.) but dont make car payments. The savings adds up and you have so much more freedom from having to make that payment.
Several years ago I read some great financial advice and after I made the last payment on my car loan I vowed to never have another car payment again. The idea is to take the payment you were making and put it into a mutual fund. Then every 4-5 years buy a new car === make car maintanence (oil, tires, etc.) but dont make car payments. The savings adds up and you have so much more freedom from having to make that payment.
Thanks Doug. That is great advice!
Thanks Doug. That is great advice!