“These young guys are playing checkers. I’m out there playing chess.”

Simplified Meaning:

The quote means that the person speaking believes they are thinking more strategically and ahead of others who are only making simple moves. It’s like comparing two games: checkers and chess. In checkers, the moves are straightforward and there isn’t much deep thinking involved. In chess, you have to think many steps ahead and be very strategic to win. Imagine you're at work and most people focus only on completing their daily tasks one by one. You're not just doing your tasks; you’re also planning for future projects, anticipating problems, and coming up with long-term solutions. While they are just trying to get through the day, you’re thinking about the bigger picture and how today’s actions will affect things in the future. In life, you can apply this by not just concentrating on immediate goals but also by planning and preparing for what’s coming next. For example, while others might save money just for their next trip, you could be investing some of your money to grow your savings for retirement. This way, you’re not just doing what needs to be done now; you’re also setting yourself up for future success.