Saturday, April 25, 2026
Playing Games #2
A reflection on indirect communication and behavior used to influence outcomes, highlighting how it creates confusion and avoids accountability.
I am beginning to notice that not all communication is fully direct, even when it appears that way. “Playing games” is not only about dishonesty—it is about trying to influence outcomes indirectly instead of communicating clearly and taking responsibility for what is actually happening.
This can show up in behavior, tone, or communication that avoids directly saying what is going on while still trying to produce a certain result.
The problem is that this creates confusion and disrupts alignment. Instead of dealing with things directly, I can begin operating through assumptions, reactions, or subtle attempts to control outcomes.
Looking back, I did not always recognize when I was doing this. It can feel natural, especially when I am uncomfortable or trying to control how situations unfold. Recovery is teaching me that clarity and directness are more effective than trying to manage outcomes indirectly.
This also connects directly to success, because playing games interferes with the process that actually leads to meaningful results. It also connects to “remember where you came from,” because these patterns are often part of what kept me stuck in the past.
For me, playing games is less about the situation itself and more about how I communicate and take responsibility for my actions. Today, I am trying to be more direct, honest, and aligned, rather than trying to influence things indirectly.