Many times I've thought to myself, "Man, maybe I should be more tight/aggressive in life. If I take control and really get in there and fight and move stuff around, maybe things will go better". In some cases this worked, but it also lead to more stress, frustration and anxiety. 

 

I think this is because you CAN'T control everything in life - you have to let go of some things. 

 

On the other hand if you play the "loose/passive" strategy, you will find that sometimes nothing gets done, or things you could have had that you wanted just passed right by. You're like, "it's all good man", with a stoner mentality of just riding the wave. That sounds very Zen but you also may not progress or grow.  There is definitely less stress with this life strategy, but also less gain.

 

So life *is* like a poker game: to maximize your winnings you must switch up strategies. Different opponents and situations require different strategies. Sometimes be aggressive. Sometimes step back and let things fall where they may. 

 

And above all else, you cannot change the cards. Just play the cards you're dealt.