As parents, business owners, and entrepreneurs, we know that success isn’t just about what we have; it’s about how we achieve it. One of the greatest gifts we can pass on is a love for learning—an endless resource that will empower our children and ourselves to thrive in every aspect of life. In this article, we’ll explore the true meaning of “play” (玩) and how studying hard can lead to the ultimate freedom to live fully and “play like a king.”
The Art of Play (玩): More Than Just Fun
In a powerful talk by a motivational speaker, the concept of “play” was explained through the Chinese character 玩 (wán), which is composed of 王 (wáng, meaning “king”) on the left and 元 (yuán, meaning “money” or “resource”) on the right. This combination hints at a profound idea: to honestly "play" and enjoy life freely, one must have the wisdom and resources to do so. Top achievers, or the top 5%, experience the freedom to play without constraint, which is no accident.
The speaker asked his audience, "If you had unlimited money, what would you do?" The response was universal: "We’d go out and play." However, the speaker delved deeper, pointing out that true luxury and freedom are accessible to those who’ve pursued knowledge and worked hard academically or professionally. Luxury isn’t about fleeting enjoyment; it’s about creating a life where your work enables your dreams without sacrificing your well-being. This lifestyle—where you can “玩” like a “王”—is built on the foundations of learning and growth.
Beyond Financial Freedom: Mastery Through Play
The Chinese word 玩 doesn’t just apply to financial freedom; it embodies the idea of mastery across all areas of life. To “玩” means engaging fully, playing with purpose, and understanding the fundamentals of what you’re doing. Whether learning a new skill, honing a craft, or exploring a career, every effort is a form of “play” when we approach it with curiosity and determination. This perspective drives focus and mastery, echoing the age-old saying, “No Pain, No Gain.”
When we learn through play—by immersing ourselves in the values and principles behind our actions—we grow our skills and find true joy in the process. Each skill set we acquire becomes a tool, empowering us to navigate challenges with resilience. This approach applies to financial literacy and communication, creativity, problem-solving, and leadership.
Learning as a Key to Freedom: Why Hard Work Pays Off
Why does education matter? When we view learning as merely something to "get through," we limit ourselves to short-term goals, often missing out on knowledge's broader opportunities. Proper education opens the mind, expands our vision, and empowers us to overcome obstacles. For children, learning hard skills isn’t just about grades; it’s a lifelong investment in financial stability, creativity, and critical thinking.
Real-World Examples:
Entrepreneurs who innovate: Business owners like Elon Musk and Sara Blakely achieved success by constantly learning, even after success. Musk’s extensive self-education in rocket science and Blakely’s creative product development stem from a lifelong love of learning.
Luxury with meaning: Imagine the freedom to book a dream vacation without stressing about finances. This isn't about showing off; it's about having the peace of mind to fully enjoy life's rewards. Educating ourselves or our children is about enabling this kind of freedom.
Turning Learning into a Hobby: Actions to Try
If you’re wondering how to instil this love for learning in your children (or even yourself), here are some tried-and-tested steps:
- Set a Vision Board with Goals
Create a board that visualises future goals—travelling, financial stability, or professional dreams. Make education part of that journey. For children, frame their learning goals to align with their dreams, helping them see the bigger picture. - Make Learning an Exploration
Encourage curiosity by connecting studies to real-world scenarios. For instance, if your child is learning math, relate it to managing money or investing. For yourself, try reading about other industries or skills outside your primary focus; this habit can open doors you hadn’t anticipated. - Reward Progress, Not Just Results
Instead of rewarding only the end result, celebrate milestones along the way. If your child completes a problematic book or project, reward them with something that makes them feel accomplished. In business, set milestones to track progress toward mastering new skills. - Teach Financial Literacy Early On
Teaching financial literacy—such as budgeting, investing, and saving—creates a foundation for understanding money’s role in life. Financial freedom is deeply tied to education, and starting early empowers children to make wise decisions as they grow.
A New Perspective on Success
By embracing learning as an enjoyable pursuit, we create a mindset of growth and resilience. For business professionals and young parents, this mindset sets an example that success isn’t just about financial gain; it’s about achieving a state of freedom where you can "玩" in life like a "王." By instilling this value in the next generation, we give them the tools to find joy and fulfilment, regardless of external circumstances.
Final Thoughts: From Rat Race to Real Freedom
In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in the “rat race,” chasing short-term goals without seeing the bigger picture. True freedom—the ability to enjoy life, explore new places, and live without constant financial stress—starts with a mindset rooted in learning and growth. By nurturing this in ourselves and our children, we’re paving the way for a life of purpose, freedom, and true fulfilment.
