The Gambler
You've got to know when to hold 'em . Know when to fold 'em. Know when to walk away. And know when to run. You never count your money. When you're sittin' at the table . There'll be time enough for countin . When the dealin's done. Kenny Rogers
Ah, the conservative life. A lot of people like this approach. You may never get any really big wins, but you will probably not get any big losses either. This is an equation for a good life. Follow this approach and you will safely arrive at death.
For some, this works out just as they planned. For others, it may have worked for a while. It worked until something unpredictably disappointing happened and they were left with no big wins AND huge losses.
I think the inevitable reality of life is that even the most conservative approach to living it still assumes a bit of a risk. What we have to admit, is there is an element to risk to everything we do. Even for the low-risk takers, they are always risking something, which is oftentimes, mediocrity.
That’s why I like this song. It gives you an out. You have the potential to risk big, but also the option of quitting this hand before it is all lost. Sure, you may have some time and money invested. Sure, you may have lost a little. But you still have a choice in the risk. I am not advocating for gambling as a lifestyle. It is addicting and has huge potential for devastation. But I do admire the people who are willing to take a much bigger gamble than others because they are interested in a much bigger win. It is the old adage of “go big or go home”.
Kenny comforts me with the idea that sometimes I may be able to hold, and sometimes I might choose to fold. The sweet spot has got to be somewhere in the middle. Perhaps the sweet spot is the one where it puts you in the position where the decision has not been taken from you. It is here you get to ask the question, “Do I hold? Or do I fold?”
