3 takeaways from “The Infinite Game” by Simon Sinek
What inspired me to write this post is Simon Sinek’s latest book, “The Infinite Game.” He again was inspired by James P. Carse’s book “Finite and Infinite Games” bringing the idea to life with new reflections.
In short, the main idea in the book is that certain aspects of our lives are finite and others infinite. A finite game is something you can win or lose, like football. An infinite game can’t be won or lost; the primary purpose is to survive and sustain. Our lives are finite, but life is infinite.
Although the book’s primary focus is on organizations and leadership, there are certain aspects we can incorporate in our own lives. There are mostly three things that stood out to me; Finding a Just Cause, meaning finding the fuel to keep your vision alive. As well as a worthy rival to keep elevating your game. Finally, trying to look at infinite games from a meta-level.
Finding a Just Cause:
A Just Cause in Sinek’s book is defined as “ For something[bigger], Inclusive, Service-Oriented, Resilient and idealistic.” In a nutshell, it means that your future vision serves a higher purpose with integrity and elevates the level of the game, in an ideal direction.
The concept of having a just cause is deeply rooted in us. Many of the deepest questions in life often allude to meaning and purpose. So how do you find a just-cause? In all honesty, I don’t know. What I’m certain of is that the process of finding a worthy cause starts with a vision of a better future, with passionate people keeping the idea alive. Moreover, having leaders not necessarily in rank, having the courage and vision to lead with the heart.
A worthy Rival:
Messi VS Ronaldo, Federer VS Nadal, Kobe VS LeBron, Apple VS Microsoft. Having a Worthy rival can help you elevate your game. A worthy rival doesn’t necessarily have to be in your life or someone you like, but there should always be mutual respect. The primary purpose of a worthy rival is someone who can help you push your game. Someone who challenges you to think differently and to be smarter.
Kobe Bryant and Jay Williams is a perfect example of a good rivalry. In an interview with Tom Bilyeu, Williams mentioned how he got to the areana earlier because the team was facing the championship Lakers. So he gets to the court and observers Kobe already warming up before him and finishes up after him. After the game, Williams courageously asks Kobe why he was in there for so long. Kobe answered, “Because I saw you come in, and I wanted you to know, it doesn’t matter how hard you work; I’m going to outwork you.” Kobe further added, “You inspire me to be better.” And that’s the main essence of having a worthy rival, inspiring you to be better, so you both can elevate the level of the game. That’s why sprinters run faster now, and why footballers don’t hit the pub after a game. It used to be possible, but times has changed, and the level of competitiveness demands a certain level of discipline that only the best can sustain.
Infinite games
Not every game we partake in life is endless. However, it’s the way that we play, and the cause that we have, which inevitability defines who we are. Do we want to succeed in the short-term, or do we want to survive in the long run? Again, Kobe Bryant was an excellent example of that, even with his life ending short, his mamba mentality lives on forever.
The choices we make depends on the circumstances we find ourselves in. More often than not, we cannot control the situation nor the variables. Nothing in the game of life is promised except death, yet we still have the power to choose our narrative. We can choose to be better; we can choose to advance a cause greater than ourselves and to help each other excel. Furthermore, so that one day in the future, some deserving soul will benefit from our courage, integrity and values.
