Monday Memo| Detail No.91| March 04, 2024.

Hi! Welcome to March

We're glad to have you here.

This month, we're exploring the theme—Checkmate.

Someone is asking— checkmate? Like— "chess kind of checkmate?"

Yes, checkmate. Kindly stick with me closely.

What is life? Life is like a game of chess.

The only exception is that once you lose your life you can't start over, rewind or play it again.

How you survive and make it in life is determined by your very first move— the opening move. This tells your opponent what kind of thinker you are. It takes logic, tolerance, strategy and patience to win at this game.

Without these things you're just another nobody watching things happen instead of making things happen. The key to this game is to know and understand each move you make and the consequences behind them.

At times you have to think two to three moves ahead because one move can achieve the same thing as three if done right. The game consists of you, the king. You can only move on space in any direction. You're weak and vulnerable, but the most important on the board. Why? Because you're the mastermind, and without a brain the body can't function.

The object of the game is to gain control of your opposition and hold a steady position.

Any and every mistake can result in three things. Check, stalemate, or checkmate. Check can come at you in several ways. Where you might have to go on the run, you might catch beef and end up losing out or giving something up. Stalemate is when you're put in a position where you can't go anywhere like prison. Then there's checkmate.

If you play it smart your game will improve and you'll be ready to challenge anybody. But everybody doesn't think the same. Sacrifices have to be made. You must decide who to give up between your Queen, pawns and knights.

Will your choices lead you to a steady flow of victories or will your game end before any goals are accomplished? Just like life, we are faced with Deci-sions, decisions. Some are hard, some are easy.

What then are valuable lessons from chess about the lives that we lead?

1.Check Mate is the key, not just gathering material (pieces)

You can be up the exchange of pieces and still lose if the other player check mates you. Ofcourse, there is an advantage of been ahead in the game but converting it into mate is crucial . Building up is good but that needs to be converted into a win.

2. Patience: Chess is a slow game that requires players to think ahead and take their time. Rushing moves can lead to mistakes and ultimately losing the game. In life, patience is also a virtue. taking the time to think things through can lead to better decisions and outcomes.

3. Strategy: Chess is a game of strategy, and the best players are the ones who can think several moves ahead. In life, having a strategy is also important. Knowing what you want to achieve and how you plan to get there can help you make better decisions and achieve your goals.

4. Embrace your role: Whether you're a knight, bishop, or rook, your role is crucial. Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom, and in this game, it's the opening move of success.

5. Adapt and thrive: Obstacles or opponents, every challenge is a chance to pivot and evolve.

Just like in Chess, not every barrier is meant to stop you; some are there to raise you higher.

6. Seize your victory: The board is set, and the pieces are in motion. Play not just for the sake of playing, but to win your crown, to leave your mark!

7. Perseverance: Losing a game can be discouraging, but the best players learn from their mistakes and keep playing. In life, perseverance is also important. Failure is a part of life, but it is important to learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward.

8. It’s not over till it’s over: Chess, just like life, is all about this- even a pawn in the end can be made into a Queen and everything changes! A well placed pawn can be the most powerful piece. Keeping at it and looking for that one window of opportunity is the key to turn it around.

I believe you have learnt one or two today, make it a date next week.🎉