Anecdotally Speaking 237 – Play Your Own Game: Josh Waitzkin
Feb 17, 2025
Unravel the quirky tale of the Eastern koel chick's nesting habits and its ironic upbringing. Follow the emotional journey of a chess prodigy struggling with identity amid coaching influences. Discover the importance of selective advice and cultivating personal style in storytelling. Explore the role of credible guidance in achieving goals while acknowledging the luck factor. Finally, reflect on the balance between passion and performance as players navigate changes in their sports. It's an insightful dive into the nuances of personal growth!
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Josh Waitzkin's Chess Journey
- Josh Waitzkin, a chess prodigy, learned chess at age six in Washington Square Park, playing against hustlers.
- By 16, he was an international master, known for his aggressive, chaotic playing style.
Misguided Advice
- Chess coaches advised Waitzkin to study conservative players like Karpov and Petrosian to understand their thinking.
- This advice, intended to improve his game, led to confusion and him losing his internal compass, causing him to quit chess at 18.
Strengths-Based Approach
- Waitzkin's story, like those of Lionel Messi and Gillian the dancer, highlights the importance of focusing on strengths.
- This strengths-based approach contrasts with focusing on weaknesses, suggesting that nurturing natural talents leads to better outcomes.