"El mundo no es justo. Por eso inventé el Calvinball."

Life isn't always fair. Sometimes, the rules seem stacked against us, and no matter what we do, it feels like we're in a rigged game. This idea is at the heart of what Bill Watterson was getting at when he introduced Calvinball in his comic strip "Calvin and Hobbes." Calvin, the young boy with a vivid imagination, creates a game where the rules are made up on the spot and can change at any moment. It’s chaotic, unpredictable, and in Calvin's world, it’s the perfect antidote to the unfairness of reality.

To understand why this came about, you need to dive a bit into the world of “Calvin and Hobbes.” Watterson’s comic strip often explored deep and complex themes through the eyes of a child. Calvin saw the world in a way that was both charming and brutally honest. He was often frustrated by the constraints imposed on him by adults’ rules—rules that didn’t always make sense or seem fair.

Now, picture this: You’re a kid on the playground. The sun is shining, and you’re eager to join a game of soccer. But, as soon as you start playing, you realize the other kids have their own set of rules. They change them arbitrarily, just to win. It's frustrating, right? It feels like you can't catch a break. That’s where the beauty of Calvinball comes in. In Calvinball, there are no fixed rules. You’re free to make them up as you go along, and so is everyone else. The playing field is leveled out because unpredictability is the only constant.

Let's take this idea into a more practical application. Think about the workplace. Sometimes, it feels like no matter how hard you work, office politics or unforeseen changes can leave you feeling defeated. Instead of getting bogged down by the unfairness, why not embrace a little bit of Calvinball? Be adaptive, think on your feet, and don’t be afraid to shake things up. If a project suddenly changes direction, instead of getting frustrated, come up with a new plan—even if it’s unconventional.

Take Susan, for example. She’s a project manager who loves structure. But when her company went through a merger, everything she knew turned upside down. Instead of clinging to the old ways, she embraced the chaos. She started holding “Calvinball” meetings where the team could throw out the rulebook and brainstorm freely. This led to more creative solutions and boosted team morale. By accepting that the world isn’t fair and sometimes rules need to be flexible, Susan and her team thrived.

So, how can you apply this in your own life? When faced with an unfair situation, try to take a step back. Think about how you can change the rules—if not for everyone, at least for yourself. Maybe you’re dealing with a tough boss, or your school’s grading system seems biased. Can you find a new way to study that’s more effective for you? Can you approach your boss with a fresh idea that changes the game?

Imagine you’re stuck in traffic, late for a big meeting. Instead of stewing in frustration, use that time productively. Call into the meeting, listen to a podcast that sparks your creativity, or plan your next steps. The rules of the road may be fixed, but the way you use your time isn’t.

Embrace the spirit of Calvinball. When life throws unfairness your way, don’t just play by the rules—make your own. Adapt, be creative, and remember, sometimes the best solution is the one you invent on the spot.