"Ces jeunes jouent aux dames. Moi, je joue aux échecs."

The essence of the quote is about thinking several moves ahead of your competition. While others are focused on simple, immediate outcomes, the speaker is strategizing for long-term success. He’s not just reacting to what's in front of him; he's planning, anticipating, and positioning himself for future victories. It's a mindset of advanced strategy versus short-term tactics.

Historically, this sentiment is often voiced by people who feel that their approach to a game—or life, business, or any competitive field—is more sophisticated and calculated than that of their peers. It’s about seeing the bigger picture and recognizing the importance of foresight and planning.

Let's look at a practical example. Think about Steve Jobs and Apple. When the iPod was first introduced, it wasn't just another music player. Jobs and his team weren't simply reacting to market demands; they were redefining them. While competitors were focused on creating slightly better CD players or making small improvements to existing MP3 players—essentially playing checkers—Apple was thinking about how to integrate music, software, and user experience into a seamless ecosystem. They were playing chess.

How can you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by always thinking a few steps ahead. If you're at a job, don’t just focus on the tasks you're given. Think about the company’s goals, and how you can contribute to them in a unique way. If you’re working on a project, anticipate potential challenges and opportunities that others might overlook. It’s about being proactive rather than reactive.

Imagine you’re in a startup. Your competitors are all about fast wins—sales today, quick growth hacks, immediate results. You, on the other hand, decide to invest in building a strong brand, developing relationships with key influencers, and creating a product that not only meets current needs but anticipates future trends. Initially, it might seem like your competitors are winning—they're getting quick sales, growing faster. But over time, as markets evolve and customer expectations change, your strategic groundwork starts to pay off. Your brand is trusted, your product is future-proof, and you’re not just surviving—you’re thriving.

Think about a chess game. You don’t just react to your opponent’s last move. You think about why they made that move, what they might do next, and how you can set traps several moves down the line. It’s the same in life. If you’re always reacting, you’re always a step behind. If you’re strategizing, you’re in control.

So next time you find yourself in a competitive situation, remember this: don’t just play the game in front of you. Think about the game ten moves ahead. Position yourself not just for today’s win, but for tomorrow’s victory. That’s how you turn checkers into chess.