Control the Center: Finding Your Core Strengths

In the world of chess, one principle stands tall above many others: control the center. The center of the chessboard, comprised of the four central squares, is often referred to as the "high ground" of the game. Much like the strategic advantage of occupying the high ground in battle, commanding the center in chess grants a player unparalleled control, flexibility, and influence over the board. This principle doesn’t just apply to chess—it holds profound lessons for life as well. By focusing on our own "high ground"—our core strengths and priorities—we can navigate life’s complexities with greater clarity and purpose.

A man skates in the center of ta road

Why the Center Matters

In chess, controlling the center allows your pieces to move freely, influence both sides of the board, and respond effectively to your opponent’s moves. A pawn in the center has more potential moves than one tucked away on the edge. Similarly, a knight or bishop stationed in the center exerts influence over a greater number of squares. By prioritizing the high ground, a player can dictate the flow of the game and maintain a strong position, even in the face of challenges.

In life, our center is where our strengths, values, and priorities converge. It’s the core of who we are—the skills we excel at, the principles we live by, and the relationships we cherish most. When we focus on our center, we gain clarity about what truly matters and can make decisions that align with our long-term goals. Just as in chess, maintaining control of our center enables us to respond to life’s challenges with confidence and adaptability.

Finding Your High Ground

To control your center in life, you first need to identify it. What are the core strengths and values that define you? What activities make you feel most alive and fulfilled? Reflect on the moments in your life when you felt truly in your element. What were you doing? Who were you with? These clues can help you pinpoint your high ground.

Once you’ve identified your center, the next step is to nurture it. Invest time and energy into developing your strengths and aligning your actions with your values. This might mean honing a particular skill, building deeper relationships, or setting boundaries to protect what matters most. The key is to focus your energy on what brings you the most clarity and purpose, rather than scattering it across distractions or pursuits that don’t align with your core.

Prioritizing Your High Ground

Controlling the center isn’t about perfection or rigidity; it’s about making deliberate choices that keep you aligned with your priorities. Here are a few ways to ensure you’re prioritizing your high ground:

1. Simplify Your Focus: In chess, overextending can weaken your position. Similarly, trying to do too much in life can leave you feeling stretched thin. Focus on a few key areas that truly matter, and let go of distractions that pull you away from your core.

2. Anticipate Challenges: Just as a chess player anticipates their opponent’s moves, you can prepare for life’s obstacles by staying grounded in your strengths. When challenges arise, ask yourself: "How can I approach this from my high ground?"

3. Adapt Without Losing Ground: In chess, control of the center doesn’t mean staying static. Pieces move, adjust, and adapt to the flow of the game while maintaining their influence. In life, this means staying flexible while staying true to your core values and strengths.

   
   

The Ripple Effect of Center Control

When you’re centered, the benefits extend beyond yourself. In chess, controlling the center makes it easier for your entire army to work cohesively. In life, prioritizing your core strengths and values allows you to show up more fully for others. You’ll find yourself contributing more effectively to your family, community, and workplace because your actions come from a place of clarity and purpose.

Additionally, your example can inspire others to find their own high ground. Just as a strong position in chess can pressure your opponent to respond, living a centered life can encourage those around you to reflect on their own priorities and strengths. This ripple effect creates a network of positive influence, much like a chess game where control of the center leads to control of the board.

Letting Go of the Periphery

One of the most challenging aspects of maintaining your high ground is learning to let go of the edges. In chess, beginners often cling to their rooks and queens, neglecting the importance of central control. Similarly, in life, it’s easy to focus on peripheral concerns—seeking validation, chasing superficial goals, or worrying about things outside our control.

But when we let go of these distractions and focus on our core, we gain a sense of freedom and power. By investing in what truly matters, we can achieve a sense of fulfillment that’s deeper and more lasting than anything the edges can offer.

Final Thoughts: Your Move

In chess, the player who controls the center often controls the game. In life, the same holds true. By identifying and prioritizing your high ground—your core strengths and values—you can navigate life with purpose and confidence. You’ll find yourself better equipped to handle challenges, adapt to change, and make decisions that align with your long-term goals.

As you step into the week ahead, take a moment to reflect on your center. What does your high ground look like? How can you prioritize it in your daily life? Remember, every move you make shapes the board in front of you. By staying true to your center, you can create a life that’s both balanced and impactful—a life where you control the game, no matter the opponent.

The board is set, and the pieces are yours to move. How will you play?

Happy Hunting,

-Coach