tl;dr:
I have a lot of friends who are gamers, and I’ve always been interested in applying those mechanics, which have recently been legitimized and named ‘Gamification’, to life. I can think specifically of one friend, who plays the most complicated computer games. Games with layers and layers of deep simulations, systems, and numbers affecting outcomes (think Paradox games, etc.), but is woefully underemployed. I’ve always told him to apply that mindset into business and he would be incredibly successful, but he can’t seem to switch. It’s unfortunate because what he is doing in the virtual world is infinitely more complicated then what he is doing in the physical world. I’m starting to think that the perhaps the reason why he and those like him can’t translate those skills into the real world is because the incentives/dopamine hits aren’t necessarily as apparent as in the virtual world. This lead to me Eric Siu’s book.
Eric Siu’s “Leveling Up: How To Master The Game of Life” presents a gamified approach to personal and professional development, framing life’s challenges and achievements as navigating levels and acquiring power-ups. The book outlines 15 key “power-ups” designed to guide readers toward identifying their passions and building successful careers through actionable strategies and practical techniques. Siu’s personal journey serves as a motivating backdrop, and the book’s structure encourages active engagement and implementation of its principles, though the central gaming analogy may not appeal to all readers. Ultimately, “Leveling Up” offers a unique and potentially effective framework for individuals seeking to clarify goals, develop positive habits, cultivate a growth mindset, and take consistent action toward self-improvement
Notes & Quotes:
Life as a Game: The fundamental concept is viewing life through the lens of a video game, where progress is achieved by overcoming challenges and acquiring new skills.
Passion as the Starting Point: “Passion is the fuel that drives you to keep going even when things get tough.”
Habit Formation: The importance of building consistent and effective habits is highlighted as crucial for long-term success. “Small, consistent actions compound over time to create significant results.”
Mindset Matters: Cultivating a positive and growth-oriented mindset is presented as essential for overcoming obstacles and achieving goals. “Your mindset determines how you perceive challenges and your ability to overcome them.”
Taking Action: The book stresses the necessity of moving beyond planning and actively implementing strategies. “Ideas are just potential; execution is what brings them to life.”
Continuous Learning: The value of ongoing learning and skill development is emphasized as a key “power-up.” “The moment you stop learning, you start falling behind.”
Building Relationships: The significance of cultivating strong and supportive relationships is discussed in the context of personal and professional growth. “Your network is your net worth.”
Overcoming Fear: Strategies for confronting and overcoming fear are presented as necessary for stepping outside one’s comfort zone. “Fear is often the biggest obstacle standing in the way of your goals.”
The Concept of “Leveling Up”: Continuous improvement and progression through different stages of life and career are central to the book’s theme. “Every challenge you overcome is a level gained in the game of life.”
Overall, I loved the idea of this book, but I think reading through it’s not clear if this would be enough of a framework for someone to apply and actually gamify their life.
In addition, I’ve read a lot of books, and this book seems to me like very generic ‘self-help’ advice, which I found was better explained in other books.
Overall
Read it once, if you are interested in gamification.