I want to explore a concept fundamental to our lives: that concept is called finite and infinite games.
If you’ve read the book “Finite and Infinite Games”, by James Carse (and later by Simon Sinek— though I’ve not read that version), you learned about two types of games: finite and infinite.
First, let me define what I mean by these terms. A finite game is one that has clear rules, a set time limit, and a clear winner and loser. Think of a game of chess or football. Once the game is over, there's a winner and a loser, and the game is finished. An infinite game, on the other hand, is one that has no fixed rules, no set time limit, and no clear winner or loser. Life itself is an infinite game. There's no end point, no ultimate winner, no moment when we can say "I've won" and stop playing.
So why is this important? Well, understanding whether we're playing a finite or infinite game can have a profound impact on the way we approach life. If we approach life as though it were a finite game, we're focused on winning. We're driven by the desire to come out on top, to beat our competitors, to be the best. But if we approach life as though it were an infinite game, we're focused on playing well. We're driven by the desire to improve, to learn, to grow, and to help others do the same.
The problem with treating life like a finite game is that it can be incredibly limiting. It makes us focus on short-term goals, on immediate successes, on beating others. We become obsessed with metrics and rankings and forget that what really matters is the journey, not the destination. We start to view other people as obstacles, as enemies to be defeated, rather than as potential collaborators and allies.
In contrast, treating life as an infinite game opens up a whole new world of possibilities. When we focus on playing well, we're free to experiment, to take risks, to try new things. We're more willing to collaborate with others, to learn from them, to help them grow. We become more resilient, more adaptable, more able to face the challenges that life throws our way.
Of course, there's a place for finite games in our lives. Competition can be healthy and motivating, and it can be fun to win. But we need to remember that life itself is an infinite game, and that the most important thing is not to win, but to play well. When we focus on playing well, we're more likely to be fulfilled, to find meaning in our lives, and to make a positive impact on the world around us.
The key takeaway is this:
When we’re not clear about the game we’re playing, it’s easy to play the wrong game. Life goes much better when we’re playing the right game at the right moment.
So my challenge to you is this: take a step back and ask yourself, am I playing a finite or an infinite game? If you find that you're focused on winning, on beating others, on short-term success, try to shift your mindset to one of playing well. Focus on learning, on growth, on collaboration. Embrace the infinite game of life, and see where it takes you.
So my challenge to you is this: take a step back and ask yourself, am I playing a finite or an infinite game? If you find that you're focused on winning, on beating others, on short-term success, try to shift your mindset to one of playing well. Focus on learning, on growth, on collaboration. Embrace the infinite game of life, and see where it takes you.
