Think Like a Producer, Play Like a Chess Master in Life
Always Be Three Steps Ahead
Dear Jeanie,
There’s a lesson I’ve carried with me throughout my entire career that I want to pass on to you, because I truly believe it can change the way you move through life.
Think like a Producer.
Producers get things done. We research, we prepare, and we never walk into a situation without already knowing our next move. It’s not about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about being the most prepared. I want that for you. Approach life like a chess game, where every action is intentional and you’re always thinking one step ahead before you make your next move.
When you develop this habit, something shifts. The chaos around you gets quieter. You stop reacting and start leading. You gain a clearer grip on what actually matters and stop wasting energy on the noise that doesn’t.
This mindset will serve you enormously in your career. The difference between someone who gets passed over and someone who gets promoted often comes down to one thing: planning ahead and tackling problems before they happen. The person who sees the storm coming before anyone else, who already has a solution ready before others even realize there’s a problem, is the person who earns trust, respect, and better opportunities. Be that person, Jeanie.
And remember, in life there is no checkmate. The game keeps going, chapter after chapter. So don’t overwhelm yourself with a rigid five-year plan. Life will surprise you, rearrange your plans, and open doors you never expected. That’s not a setback. That’s just how it works.
Instead, think in quarters: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter. What do you need to accomplish in the next three months? Focus there first. One trimester, one year at a time. Stay flexible, stay focused, and trust yourself to handle what comes next.
Now go get it done.
Love, Dad.