Think Before You Act

Lily's Garden emphasizes the importance of careful decision-making. Many online games often penalize players for taking their time, pushing you to respond quickly to maximize scores. However, Lily's Garden encourages players to think through their moves. I’ve lost count of how many times I thought I had made a smart choice, only to realize too late that I had overlooked a key detail.

In real life, while there are moments that require swift decisions—like choosing an escape route from a zombie horde—most situations allow for thoughtful consideration. Always take the time to think it through, especially when it comes to speaking. As the saying goes, “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.”

Have a Plan, But Stay Flexible

In Lily's Garden, each level has a limited number of moves, so it's essential to use them wisely. I often fall into the trap of sticking to an initial strategy, even when it becomes clear that it’s not working. This is known as the “sunk cost” fallacy, which isn’t confined to gaming—many people remain in unfulfilling relationships or jobs simply because they’ve already invested so much time.

If something isn’t yielding results, it’s crucial to reassess and make necessary changes, regardless of past investments.

Don’t Punish Yourself for Mistakes

Lily taught me an important lesson about self-forgiveness. After a significant loss in the game due to poor choices, I began to punish myself further by ignoring helpful items in my inventory, feeling unworthy of using them. This mindset led to a frustrating cycle of losses. Once I allowed myself to utilize those items, I regained my winning momentum.

In life, many of us do the same. After a setback—like losing a job or a relationship—we often internalize failure and feel undeserving of success. Remember, everyone makes mistakes, and it’s crucial not to add unnecessary self-punishment on top of what life has already dealt.

Stay Focused on Your Goals

One of the challenging aspects of Lily's Garden is its use of red herrings. Sometimes, the game will lead you to believe that popping every bubble is essential, only to later change the objective. I’ve often wasted moves on distractions, leading to unnecessary losses.

In real life, we too can get sidetracked by superficial desires. It’s easy to spend on fleeting whims rather than saving for meaningful goals like retirement or a home. Be mindful of what truly matters and avoid distractions that take you away from your priorities.

Timing is Crucial

A recent documentary on King Richard the Lionhearted highlighted the importance of timing in decision-making. In a pivotal battle, Richard held his troops back until the perfect moment, leading to a strategic advantage. Similarly, in Lily's Garden, waiting for the right moment to make a significant move can be the key to success.

In our lives, we often desire immediate success and recognition. Just as my son learned that meditation requires patience, many of us need to understand that rushing can lead to missed opportunities.

Embracing Risks

Lily's Garden requires players to manage risk. While you can predict certain outcomes, chance always plays a role. Learning to navigate uncertainty is essential, just as it is in life.

Avoiding risks out of fear can severely limit your experiences. However, there’s a significant difference between reckless behavior and calculated risks. Smart investments come from informed decisions, while fear-based avoidance can stifle growth.

Perfection is Not Necessary for Success

In Lily's Garden, my victories often come despite mistakes. Luck plays a role, but so does the fact that I typically get more right than wrong. Success doesn’t require perfection; rather, it’s about consistently making good decisions.

Remember that everyone faces setbacks. What you often see are the victories, while the mistakes that shaped those successes remain hidden. It’s okay to stumble; it’s part of being human.

Your Only True Competition is Yourself

While Lily's Garden encourages competition, my most rewarding experience came when I replayed the game from the beginning. With newfound skills, I breezed through levels that once challenged me. In real life, we don’t get a reset button, but we can measure our growth against our past selves.

Reflect on your own journey—especially if you’re a writer. Think about how far you’ve come from your early work, with all its flaws and cringe-worthy moments. Embrace your growth and celebrate your progress.

Find Your Own Lily

Lily's Garden has been a surprising source of discipline and reflection for me. The lessons learned from the game have positively influenced my approach to life. I hope you find your own "Lily" that inspires you to improve and grow.

The first video, "5 Rules to Follow as You Find Your Spark" by Simon Sinek, provides insights on personal growth and motivation.

The second video, "Evan Carmichael's Top 10 Rules for Success," shares valuable principles to help you navigate your path to achievement.