#34 What is the Bigger Game by Rick Tamlyn

Rick Tamlyn inspires people to be their best. He is the author of Play Your Bigger Game, a coach, and a motivational speaker. Rick discusses his book, exercises he utilises at his workshops, and how we can overcome our avoidance of judgment.

What inspired you to write the book – The Bigger Game?

[1:01] Laura Whitworth, one of the co-founders of The Coaches Training Institute, was working on a philosophical context of helping people bring more to the world. She then asked Rick if he wanted to be a part of it.

“It came out of our own hunger to activates other peoples’ hunger.”

Can you give an example of what caused you to create and become who you are today?

[3:49] Rick was elected president of the youth group in his church when he was sixteen. He met with the minister at the beginning of the year and told him that he was not interested in doing the same old stuff in the youth group. The group took on a large project and dedicated their whole year to it, illustrating a clear example of a bigger game. Later, Rick was requested to give a sermon, during which he really learned what leadership is.

Can you say a little bit more about the Bigger Game model?

[6:53] It has nine elements and is laid out similar to a tic-tac-toe board. Some of them include compelling purpose, comfort zones, and bold action.

“The words on it are not new. The conversation it creates is new.”

It’s called bigger game, not bigger goal. Rick insists that he is not a goals coach and that he actually hates the word “goal.” When you focus on bigger game, your goals will happen organically.

Speaking from your heart is key.

[9:41] People have a fear of failure, or even a fear of success. With Rick’s gameboard, people talk to each other in his workshops about comfort zones. A comfort zone can be helped by having a compelling purpose that is bigger. The organizations that Rick sees talk blatantly about failure are the most successful.

What is the biggest challenge you see when working with people in organizations?

[15:58] Avoidance of judgment, which Rick admits he is also guilty of. Rick says that it’s very likely for the world to think we’re crazy if we have a bigger game. The paradox is that most of us wish that the world wasn’t judgmental. Knowing that you won’t be perfect at your bigger game can help. Rick believes we should dare to know things for our clients; don’t worry about being right. Be curious about the judgment that is coming at you.

What is a tip you can give to someone who fears being judged?

[22:00] Curiosity is the antidote to judgment. And again, dare to show up.

What is one final message you’d like to say?

[25:21] Don’t overthink it. Over-create it. Create something faster instead of trying to think about the creation.

Rick’s website: https://www.ricktamlyn.com/