If you aren't playing well, the game isn't as much fun. When that happens I tell myself just to go out and play as I did when I was a kid.

Thomas J. Watson, the former chairman and CEO of IBM, made this statement to emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and passion for what you do, especially during challenging times. By saying, “If you aren't playing well, the game isn't as much fun,” Watson acknowledges that poor performance can lead to frustration. However, he follows it up with advice: “go out and play as I did when I was a kid,” which means approaching work or life with the same joy, curiosity, and enthusiasm experienced in childhood.

The quote reflects Watson’s leadership philosophy, which centered on resilience and a healthy attitude toward both success and failure. He understood that setbacks are inevitable, but reconnecting with the fun and passion behind one’s work can reignite motivation and improve performance. Much like children playing a game for enjoyment rather than perfection, adults can benefit from shifting their focus back to the process rather than obsessing over results.

The origin of this statement ties to Watson’s broader efforts to cultivate a strong corporate culture at IBM. He was known for encouraging employees to stay optimistic and committed, even when facing difficulties. By framing work as a “game,” Watson reminded his teams that embracing challenges with a positive spirit could lead to better outcomes and greater satisfaction.

Ultimately, Watson’s message is about perspective. When things aren’t going well, focusing on the joy of the activity itself—not just the pressure of performance—can restore confidence and make the “game” enjoyable again, both in business and in life.