During a recent interview, five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand made comparison between chess and life. The 55-year-old grandmaster highlighted the need for emotional equilibrium in both fields.
"The manner in which you play is connected with your personality," Anand said. "For me, as for anybody, emotions govern performance. You can only play well if you are cheerful or feel pleased with yourself."
Anand pointed out that chess itself is complicated, but he tries to live a simple life. He added that both chess and life demand flexibility, as seen in his own professional life spanning decades of technological and generational shifts in the game.
The chess great also spoke about the uncertainty common to the game and life: "In chess, as in life, you never know what's coming next. You have to be prepared for anything."
Sources: Complete Wellbeing, Express Adda interview