Things I Learned Playing Candy Crush

I'm often surprised at the ways I learn life lessons.  But maybe as I get older, I'm paying attention in a different way.  So here goes; see if you agree.

It’s Easy to Lose Focus
Game: Trying so hard to find matching candies sometimes causes me to lose focus of the big
picture – the goal of that level.
Life: We rush from paycheck to paycheck trying to keep up with bills, activity to activity with our children, or project to project with our jobs and miss out on the big picture. What are my dreams and goals? Am I working to survive? Are the kids happy or simply satiated – am I allowing them to grow or overcompensating? Am I on the path to professional success or just keeping the C-Suite happy?

Seeing the Goal Makes Focus Easy
Game: I forgot the overall point, but seeing the goal posted reminds me of what's important.
Life: This is the reason for focus boards, support groups and mentoring sessions. Getting back on track is
easy to do with a small visual reminder.

One Wrong Move Can Result in Catastrophe
Game: Yeah sometimes. I'll make a match that throws the entire board off. Aaargh!!!
Life: I chose to buy a new car, not knowing I’d get a pink slip in 3 months. We decided to not take a vacation but have ended up more stressed out. You chose to send your child to private school and have to work so much to pay tuition that you can’t attend any events. You posted that picture and … well,
we will leave that one alone.

Strategic Moves Allow Recovery
Game: With a keen eye on the candies on the board and focus on the goal, a crush can still be achieved if you don't run out of moves first.
Life: Keep plugging away and focusing on that goal and things will turn around in time.

Support
Game: There are little secret weapons stacked up on the side (i.e rainbow candies or doughnuts) or extra moves sent by other players to help in a pinch.  This is an awesome addition if used wisely. Which piece to use and when?
Life:  My friends, network or whatever new word is trending this week for those I can depend on.  This essentially means I should know what each person can contribute to my life/situation. Who do I call for a quick pick me up or to just vent? Who will help me hide the body and take the info about it into the afterlife? Which friend do I call and when?

Keep Moving
Game: No matter how bad my board looks, I can’t just reset. If I have 15 moves left, I have to
use them before I can begin that level again.  Also, as previously stated, things can change within those 15 moves if I remain focused on the goal and apply the proper strategy.
Life: No matter how bad it looks, I can't have a do-over.  At least not from the very beginning.  I have to just keep moving.  Sure, I've lost my job and want to give in and give up but each morning I wake breathing with sunlight in my eyes. Someone/something is depending on you too.   Even though your loved one passed and you are grieving...your car won’t start – again...your bank account is overdrawn...your wife left you and left the kids. But you've got goals to focus on.

Patience
Game: Sometimes when I've exhausted all of my moves and haven't achieved the goal, I must
wait for a recharge so that I can play again.
Life: Keep exhausting moves until there are no more recharges.

All this, in one fun and quite addictive game.  Thanks Candy Crush!