Both defeatism and overdrive come from lacking creativity, seeing only one solution rather than ginga.
Ginga, a Brazilian Portuguese word, is the name of the movement style in Capoeira, which Pelé then adapted to soccer. It is “a one-word collective of the way we move, walk, talk, feel, and most importantly—play.”
Defeatism just accepts its fate; overdrive sees one way and pushes even when that way won’t open.
Ginga says, “I’ve come up against an obstacle. What are the ways I could get around this and play with it, and even turn it to my advantage?”
Everything is a matter of seeing 360 degrees of a situation and the people involved.
Risk assessment, not risk aversion.
Optionality, not force.
If we take this approach, we will be elevated to play consciousness and carried through the game of it.
If we are to remain in the theater, the play, the fun, the place where you wouldn’t stop if you could, where you’re so excited for the next play–then you will need to know your players.
You will need to look out for frustration and push or any kind of aggression, in general, or with each other.
Watch out for when a player is out of “autotelic response” and into self-will. When this happens, you will no longer feel the wind at your back as you coast through a game, but will feel as if you are pushing a rock up a hill.
To be clear, it does not matter the game.
We could be given the game of eating delicious pizza, and it will be mastery of our attention that will determine whether we enjoy it more than something more challenging.