Ever played chess and had to sacrifice a piece to win?

It stings. Losing a queen or knight feels like failure. But a grandmaster doesn’t panic. They see the bigger picture.

That lost piece? It is not a setback. It is a strategy.

Life works the same way.

• That job rejection? It’s a sacrificed piece.
• That failed relationship? It’s a move clearing the board.
• That missed opportunity? It’s a setup for something better.

The problem? Most people think every loss is defeat.
But in reality, setbacks are just part of a bigger game.

Introducing The “Chess Mindset” Technique for Resilience

Next time life doesn’t go as planned, try this:

1.⁠ ⁠Ask: Is this a lost piece or a setup for checkmate?
(Could this setback be making space for a bigger win?)

2.⁠ ⁠Trust the Board
You don’t see the whole game yet. A move that looks bad now might lead to victory later.

3.⁠ ⁠Make the Next Move
(Stop focusing on what’s lost. Play the best move you can, right now.)

Great chess players don’t dwell on lost pieces.
They play to win the game.
Do the same with your life.

What’s a “lost piece” in your life that led to something better?