From play to purpose: the unlikely duo rewriting the rules of success through gamification
Photo courtesy Mark Diaz
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What if you could approach life’s challenges the same way you approach your favorite video game? Completing quests, leveling up your skills, choosing your character’s features, and building alliances are fun features in games, but can also be applied to real life.
In the book 10,000 Hours of Play, internationally recognized gamification expert Yu-kai Chou and storytelling and gamification master Mark Diaz present a novel approach to personal growth. This book takes the science of gamification and turns it into a powerful, real-life strategy for anyone looking to align their passion, talents, and mission.
Two players with one shared purpose
Yu-kai Chou began studying gamification in 2003, long before it became a buzzword. He created the Octalysis Framework, which is now utilized by companies such as Google, LEGO, and Tesla. It demonstrates how play, rather than pressure, can drive behavioral change.
Mark Diaz, a former filmmaker and educator, discovered the power of storytelling and motivation while trying to help his students learn faster. Inspired by Chou’s Octalysis teachings, he gamified the learning experience for over 160,000 students and launched ArtWars, a Kickstarter that ultimately raised over $21,000. Their paths have intersected through their shared belief that life is a game, and anyone can play to win.
A six-step system for real-world mastery
While most self-help books focus on just one aspect of life’s puzzle, 10,000 Hours of Play offers a holistic six-step framework that helps individuals achieve both success and fulfillment.
The framework includes:
- Choose your game: Define a mission that gives your life direction.
- Know your attributes: Uncover and maximize your natural strengths.
- Select your role: Discover the character you want to play. Who do you want to be?
- Enhance your skills: Sharpen the tools that will help you win.
- Build your alliances: Surround yourself with the right allies to help you achieve your mission.
- Achieve your quests: Take strategic actions that move your story forward.
Chao and Diaz argue that throughout history, revolutionary figures such as Marie Curie, Leonardo da Vinci, and Walt Disney have followed these steps, perhaps unconsciously but nonetheless successfully. They find that true success only happens when all six steps are aligned.
From gamers to goal-crushers
Chao and Diaz created this book for gamers, creators, and curious minds who grew up in digital worlds but now seek direction in their own lives. 10,000 Hours of Play is a bridge between curiosity and achievement. It doesn’t rely on hustle culture or empty motivational mantras; instead, it harnesses momentum, motivation, and joy to promote long-term growth.
The co-authors speak the language of gamers and creatives. Their framework taps into the same thrilling actions that make video games so enjoyable. But here, these actions translate into real-world successes.
Are you ready to play?
For Yu-kai Chou and Mark Diaz, the goal isn’t just to help people become more productive. It’s to help them craft lives full of purpose and play. They believe the world needs more people who are curious, creative, and energized, rather than being bogged down by work.
With endorsements from Eric Yuan, the CEO of Zoom, Jeff Booth, and legendary game designer Richard Bartle, 10,000 Hours of Play isn’t just a guide; it’s a movement to create extraordinary lives.
Whether you feel stuck in your life, are overwhelmed by self-help gurus, or are searching for a more meaningful way to live that feels true to you, 10,000 Hours of Play invites you to reframe life as the most important game you’ll ever play.