Play the Penny Game

by | Mar 2, 2020 | Peter's Voice, Tool

“When You Come to a Fork in the Road, Take It!”
— Yogi Berra

While talking with students last week, we were introduced to the Penny Game. We had never heard of it before, but we love it. It is most fun when played with a group, but it works just as well by yourself.

The idea is that when you are driving or out for a walk and get to an intersection where you have to stop, flip a coin to determine which way to go. After a few flips, you will find yourself someplace interesting, and that’s the point.

Many of us are uncomfortable leaving things to chance. We want to be in control. With the Penny Game, the fun is to let spontaneity and a feeling of randomness take over.

The Penny Game is especially good at helping you let go of your need to know the next step.

By letting go, you are open to possibilities. Take a walk and bring a coin with you and try flipping the coin for a couple turns and you will find yourself someplace different than if you had taken the same route you always do.

Sometimes, changing things up is exactly what we need. We can get into a rut doing the same things over and over again. When we know what is going to happen, we are stuck living with the same experiences again and again.

If you feel stuck, try playing the Penny Game. You can use it to choose what you are going to eat, what you watch on TV, or what you wear to work.

Be open and unafraid to take a chance and see what amazing possibilities happen.

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