How to Play the Infinite Game (Part 1)
You may have heard of this concept through Simon Sinek’s popularizing the infinite game which originally is a book by James Carse. Simon Sinek applies the infinite game concept to companies but it is equally valuable to us individuals.
What is the Infinite Game?
It’s difficult to understand the infinite game without understanding its antithesis, the finite game. There’s a stark difference between the two. Finite players seek to win a game and compete against others in that finite game. To win, it is in their best interest to end the game as quickly as possible to minimize the chances of failure if the game extends. It’s a zero-sum game; a dog-eat-dog world. They take things so seriously to win that they play to live; they don’t live to play. This is where the infinite players differ widely. They don’t want the game to end given that the goal of the game is to extend it as long as humanly possible. They live to play!
Finite players have to deal with a set of rules which act as part of the boundaries they all abide by. Everything is within the confines of boundaries. Infinite players see the same rules or boundaries but it does not affect their game, they play with the boundaries. This last distinction deserves to be observed carefully in everyone’s life
Are you Playing Within or With Boundaries?
Do you see your work as merely and means to an end and career or do you see your life as no distinction between work or play?
I see boundaries as focusing on achieving ends rather than focusing on processes. Striving to become the head of a company is much different than seeking to become a little better at one’s work and calling every day. Cherishing the bounds of titles rather than the fulfillment you can derive from it is playing beyond the bounds. Trying to create a legacy or contribute to a greater cause even if the results of such efforts will not be seen in your lifetime is acknowledging boundaries yet being undeterred to its obstacle. It is a monk saying that you should plant trees which shade you will not get to sit in. This is boundless thought.
Aren’t some the values such as connection, cheerfulness, patience, discipline, commitment, humility — to name a few — boundless in their reach? These are not things that cannot be reached with a definite end? Then with do we play as if we are confined by boundaries?
It is a monk saying that you should plant trees which shade you will not get to sit in.
Why Are you Playing the Finite Game?
In this article, I describe that zero-sum games are a cause of conflict. If we see most titles or things to be gained as scarce or bound by scarcity, then we entertain conflict into our lives. We see the corrosive pervasiveness of finite games everywhere. People doing anything to reach the top. Countries seeking to expand their hard and soft power for world domination. Cheat, greed, deceit, unlawful, hatred, anger, cowardice: these are the by-products when we think we play to live. Yes, we may have to contend with finite players in our lives but it does not impeded our ability to play the infinite game. If we wish to become a better person, start by thinking that this is an infinite game and act on it.
Which trees will you start planting?
