The "Free Game" Epidemic: Why Integrity Matters More Than Advice

Everywhere you look, there’s someone offering “free game.” It’s the advice dished out on social media, in viral videos, or at seminars by those who claim to have cracked the code to success. While it sounds generous, there’s a catch: too many of these self-styled gurus reached the top by cutting corners, bending rules, or exploiting others. They’re eager to share their playbook, but here’s the harsh reality—if the game was rigged, their advice is worthless.

This phenomenon has given rise to what I call the "free game epidemic"—a culture where advice flows freely from those who gained their success through immoral means. And while their stories may seem enticing, they carry dangerous implications for those genuinely striving to build something lasting.

It's easy to get swept up in the allure of flashy wins and overnight triumphs. We see influencers and business moguls standing atop their metaphorical mountains, shouting advice down to those still grinding their way up. But here’s the truth: your start matters. The path you took to success is as important—if not more—than the success itself. And if that path was paved with immorality, deceit, or exploitation, your advice rings hollow.

The Foundation of Success: Why Integrity Matters

Success isn’t just about the destination; it’s about how you got there. A house built on sand will collapse, no matter how impressive it looks. Similarly, a career built on shortcuts and dishonesty won’t stand the test of time. People often forget that the journey shapes the person, not just the outcome. If you cut corners or hurt others to rise to the top, what wisdom can you offer besides how to manipulate the system?

Success achieved through integrity leaves a legacy worth emulating. It shows resilience, perseverance, and the ability to withstand adversity without compromising your values. That’s the kind of success that inspires—not the kind born from breaking rules or exploiting others.

Success Without a Moral Compass Is a Mirage

Some argue that "success is success," but that’s a dangerously short-sighted view. The business world is littered with examples of people who clawed their way to the top through questionable means only to fall just as hard. Why? Because real success isn’t sustainable without character.

When someone who cheated, lied, or stepped on others to get ahead tries to dispense advice, it feels disingenuous. Their success is stained, and their lessons become cautionary tales rather than blueprints to follow.

Real Advice Comes From Those Who Took the Right Path

I’d rather hear advice from someone who took the long, hard road to success than from someone who gamed the system. Those who work with integrity understand the value of every small win. They know what it’s like to face obstacles, to feel tempted to take shortcuts—and to choose not to. Their advice carries weight because they’ve earned it the right way.

Those who started wrong don’t get to dictate how others should rise. Their success may be loud, but it’s hollow. True wisdom comes from people who have walked the walk with honesty and perseverance.

Ask Yourself: Who’s Advice Are You Taking?

When seeking guidance, ask yourself this: Did they achieve success in a way I admire? If the answer is no, why listen? If they compromised their morals, their advice is likely tainted. Surround yourself with mentors who embody the values you hold dear. Learn from those who earned their success the right way—not the ones who took the immoral shortcut.

Your start matters. The path you choose defines the success you achieve. Don’t let anyone who abandoned their integrity tell you how to reach your goals. Let their stories be warnings, not roadmaps. Build your success on a foundation of integrity, and you’ll never have to shout your advice from the mountaintop—it will speak for itself.

-Jay