"The one who dies with the most toys wins."

Have you seen that bumper-sticker? In the yuppified, narcissistic eighties, that single saying became the defining declaration among possession-possessed up-and-comers. As people surrounded themselves with hot new cars, snazzy stereo systems and miscellaneous gizmos, gadgets, and gratuitous consumerism, the popular mantra was everywhere: "The one who dies with the most toys wins!"

Everybody loves to win. And everyone loves a winner.

Winning brings a sense of power, achievement, success, and yes, great happiness. Who wouldn't want to win? But winning can come with a high price tag. Winning costs in time and dedication – whether the win you're going after is fought on blackboards or boardrooms.

Winning takes planning, practice, and precision. M…