Contents:

Life’s Infinite Games

Life’s Infinite Games

Have you ever found yourself tirelessly pursuing a goal, only to achieve it and still feel unfulfilled? Or perhaps you've experienced the frustration of setbacks and failures that seemed to extinguish your motivation altogether.

I always thought life is about hitting the ultimate goals like becoming a millionaire, starting a family, becoming professional in my craft.

Imagine this: I once dedicated countless hours to perfecting a single skill, aiming to reach the pinnacle of mastery. But as soon as I achieved that milestone, I realized that true fulfillment lies not in winning finite battles but in embracing the infinite journey itself.

Life, as I have come to discover, is a delicate balance between finite games and infinite games.

What are finite and infinite games?

Before diving into the spirit of this essay, consider this question: Is it only about achieving something/desiring something or there is something more to it?

It is not only about creating a family - it is about keeping the family together.
It is not only about becoming a millionaire - it is about staying in the business game.
It is not about making/meeting great friends - it is about keeping the friendship and fostering it
It is not about becoming enlightened - it is about keeping practicing meditation.

You feel me? The essence of this topic is to understand that there are the finite and infinite games.

Why knowing the difference between the two?
Because this distinction between finite and infinite games is essential for navigating life's challenges, embracing long-term thinking, and finding fulfillment in continuous growth.

Let me give the main differences between the two:

finite games: fixed rules, limited amount of players and agreed upon objective

Ex: football, soccer, basketball etc

Infinite: rules are changeable, there is unknown amount of players and objective is to STAY in the game as long as possible.

Both systems are stable, yet they are different.

In finite games there are winners and losers. Why? Because the game is structured this way: you either win or lose.

In infinite games there are no winners and losers. The players might lose a will to play or they might just drop out - and in this case they are being replaced by other players.

Why is it essential to understand these differences? Because the problems arise when the finite player is playing against an infinite player.

The objective of the finite game is to win - and the objective of the other is to play a game BECAUSE of the game itself.

The finite player gets frustrated and anxious when not achieving the outcome or not reaching the goal. The infinite player knows that losing a battle does not mean losing a war.

The biggest reward in the infinite games - is that you are able to keep playing them.

WHAT Are the infinite GAMES?

1. Business: the beauty being in business - is to keep playing the business game.

2. Health: You can’t “Achieve” perfect health like you “can’t” become healthy. It is an infinite process of taking care of yourself.

3. Relationships: meeting good people and maintaining these friendships, marriage for the whole life.

4. Wealth: Becoming rich is a finite game. Staying rich is an infinite game.

5. Education: Many people stop learning after getting a degree. They are playing a finite game. Life-long learners are playing infinite game. They are obsessed with learning new concepts, things, expand their worldview.

6. Personal Growth: The pursuit of personal growth and self-improvement is an infinite game. There is no fixed endpoint or ultimate achievement when it comes to personal development. It's an ongoing journey of learning, expanding your skills, and evolving as an individual. Each day presents new opportunities for growth, and the game continues as long as you keep seeking progress and embracing new challenges.

7. Lifelong Learning: Embracing a mindset of lifelong learning is an infinite game. The quest for knowledge, intellectual growth, and personal enrichment has no end point. It involves a constant curiosity, seeking out new information, and expanding your understanding of the world. Whether it's through formal education, reading, or engaging in intellectual discussions, the game of learning continues throughout your life.

Now, I think that you have an idea of what’s infinite games and finite games are all about. But is understanding the difference between finite and infinite games applicable in any way?

Yes, is it very beneficial to understand the differences between the two. Why? Here are some points:
• When you understand this distinction, you can start improving your strategic thinking and tactical thinking.
•Understanding strategy from tactics. Tactics work perfectly well in the finite games, yet infinite games require strategy.
• Understanding this concept is essential to fight your temptations. The question is always the same: “Am I going to pursue this short-term pleasure just for the pleasure sake, or I am going to fight it, because it is damaging to my life?”.
• It helps you to become a better investor as you make compounding interest work for you and you stick to long-term vision.

And now,

How it is helping YOU self-actualize?
• Playing infinite games is more fulfilling, because you can zoom out and understand that there is always a new mountain to climb, a new territory to conquer. By shifting your perspective, you become a life-long learner.
• Understand that sometimes you are behind and sometimes you are are ahead
• Long-term benefits can be greater than Short-term struggles. You can understand that when you understand the distinctions between infinite and finite games.

Now that you've gained insight into the power of finite and infinite games, it's time to apply these concepts in your own life.

Ask yourself: Are you solely focused on short-term wins or are you ready to embrace the infinite journey?

Challenge yourself to adopt long-term thinking, set goals that align with your values, and find fulfillment in the process of growth and continuous improvement.

Life is not just about achieving finite objectives; it's about playing the game for the sake of the game itself. Embrace the challenges, stay resilient in the face of setbacks, and commit to becoming an infinite player. Take the first step today and unlock the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.

Become an Infinite Player!

Thank YOU for reading!

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Looking forward to hearing your feedback.

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