. . . no matter what game you are playing.

Let's say it's Bridge. You know, that card game your mother taught you. You've got a few bucks on the outcome and a crush on your partner. . . Your partner bids four hearts. You hold a two of hearts and a total of eight points. You don't know how to respond, your throat tightens . . .

Let's say it's golf. Your drive goes straight down the fairwayinto the sand trap. You're two down on the seventh hole, $100 bet on first nine, you hate sand traps . . .

Let's say it's tennis. Not Wimbledon, but pretty close in your life. You've made it to a championship match. You reach back to serve and feel a tight cramp in your left calf . . .

Let's say it's croquet. Your husband's slender, buxom secretary has just blasted through two wickets. Your ball lies two feet away. She takes aim. She misses. Its your turn . . .

Let's say it's an interview for a job that you and twenty other equally qualified people really want. You have rehearsed how you will benefit the employer specifically. You have dressed appropriately for this particular interview, you know you have what it takes, but you trip on the threshold . . .

Want to win? Heres what you should do:

1. Immediately ask yourself, Will I die if I lose?

2. If the answer is Not bloody likely, ask, Will I be mortified if I lose?

3. If the answer to that is Yes, ask Why? And then consider the fact that your ability to win this game is no big deal. IT DOES NOT DEFINE YOU.

4. Breathe deeply and notice your breathing.

5. This is the most important step: IMAGINE

If its bridge, imagine the play all the way through with you making amazing finessesbefore you respond to your partners bid.

If its golf, picture the lift of the ball out of the sand trap. See the sand slowly falling down like rain. See the ball soar straight up onto the green and roll into the hole BEFORE you choose your clubBEFORE you descend into the trap.

If its tennis, picture your serve as a cannon shot just clearing the net and your body as molded mobile gelatin.

If its croquet, forget the slender sleaze. Picture your husband beaming as you knock her ball across the court.

If it's a job interview, smile as you trip over the threshold, picture your anxieties rolled into a ball that you toss into the wastebasket, and say, "Obviously, I really want this job." Feelings always show. Admitting to them openly helps you win.

If its life, imagine the scene you want, breathe into it, be willing to lose, and put your heart into winning.

Copyright 2006 Cole's Poetic License