The Fortnite Fortnite Fumble: My Journey to Championship…Sort Of
As I sat in front of my television, controller in hand, I was determined to conquer the world of Fortnite. It’s a game that has taken the world by storm, with millions of players worldwide and a chorus of "Victory Royale" cries echoing through living rooms and online communities. But as I delved deeper into the world of battle royale, I realized that the journey to the top is not as straightforward as I thought. In fact, my quest for championship became a fumble, a cautionary tale of perseverance and self-awareness in the face of disappointment and frustration.
The Pursuit of Victory Royale: A Scientific Delusion
In their book, "Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience," Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi explains that the concept of flow is crucial in achieving success. Flow is characterized by a state of complete focus and immersion, where the individual is fully engaged in the task at hand. In the context of gaming, flow is what separates the professionals from the amateur players. The key to achieving flow is to set clear goals, maintain a positive attitude, and remain open to learning and improvement. In my case, I struggled to find the perfect balance between these factors, often getting caught up in the hype and losing sight of my ultimate goal: becoming a champion.
As I faced defeat after defeat, I began to question my abilities and doubt my skills. It was as if the game was taunting me, daring me to prove myself. But what I failed to realize was that my mental approach was the real culprit, not the game itself. The fear of failure and the pressure to perform had taken over, and I found myself stuck in a cycle of stress and anxiety.
From Fumble to Flow: Embracing the Fixed Mindset
It wasn’t until I stumbled upon the concept of the "fixed mindset" by Carol S. Dweck that I began to understand the root of my struggles. According to Dweck, individuals with a fixed mindset see their abilities as fixed and intrinsic, whereas those with a growth mindset believe that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. It was clear that I had been stuck in a fixed mindset, seeing my gaming skills as inherently fixed and unchangeable. By adopting a growth mindset, I began to view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than threats to my ego and identity.
With this newfound understanding, I deliberately practiced strategies such as breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable parts, setting specific goals, and acknowledging and learning from my mistakes. I also made a conscious effort to reframe my mindset, focusing on the process rather than the outcome. It was a liberating experience, as I began to approach the game with a sense of curiosity and wonder, rather than fear and anxiety.
The Value of Impermanence: Embracing Change and Uncertainty
In his book "The Second Mountain," David Brooks writes about the importance of embracing impermanence and change in all aspects of life. He argues that to truly grow and evolve, one must willing to let go of the familiar and venture into the unknown. In the context of Fortnite, this meant embracing the uncertainty and unpredictability of the game, rather than resisting it. By doing so, I began to see the game as a dynamic, ever-changing entity, rather than a static, fixed entity.
As I navigated the game, I had to let go of my attachment to specific strategies and outcomes, and instead cultivate a sense of curiosity and adaptability. I learned to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the game, using my wits and intuition to survive and thrive. It was a humbling experience, as I realized that true mastery is not about achieving a specific outcome, but rather about embracing the journey itself.
In the end, my journey in Fortnite became a metaphor for life itself – a constant quest for growth, self-awareness, and self-improvement. It may have been a fumbling start, but I learned that with the right mindset, even the most daunting challenges can become opportunities for growth and transformation.
As I reflect on my experiences, I am left with more questions than answers. How can we apply the principles of flow and the growth mindset to other areas of our lives? How can we cultivate a sense of impermanence and uncertainty in the face of change and uncertainty? The journey is far from over, and I am eager to continue exploring the possibilities of the human experience.