Life is an Infinite Game
I listened to Simon Sinek’s book, The Infinite Game, on Audible 4 years ago, and remembered it being impactful, so I felt it was time to get the hard copy and re-’read’ it. Funny thing is, I remember it being impactful for me personally, not necessarily from a business standpoint. However, upon re-reading it I realize that it is a book that is focused on business and not as much for an individual. So after completing it this time I am now reminded about the lesson I took away the first go around, as well as a second learning for me.
Learning #1 - We are best served with an Infinite Mindset.
I find life most exciting and full of opportunity when I view it as an “Infinite Game”. When I choose an Infinite instead of a Fixed Mindset there are always opportunities to grow and improve. I am reminded that tomorrow is another day, another opportunity to get up and go at it again. Give it another try, apply our learnings and take another step. That we are never “stuck” where we are, with the results we have. We can always do something to change and improve our situation.
When I apply this mindset I do a better job of getting out of my head and getting out of my own way. I quit worrying about all the mistakes I’ve made in the past, and focus on what the most beneficial action I can take today is. What will move the needle for me? It helps me to realize that no matter what happened in the past, I have the opportunity to improve and apply my learnings today. When I can maintain an infinite mindset I am no longer afraid to try something, to take some action, because even if it doesn’t work out exactly like I wanted it to I am reminded that I can regroup and try again. As long as we keep showing up, as long as we don’t quit there is no end to opportunities.
Learning #2 - If we pay attention and think, there is always something to learn.
Regardless of the intended audience or focus of a book, article, video, etc…; there is often something we can gain from it if we think of how that applies to us and our own situation.
Sinek wrote the book focused on businesses, on companies. Comparing those that are worried about and make decisions based on their next quarterly earnings vs. those that are focused on being around indefinitely. He compares and contrasts the different types of decisions and business models they follow and the results they get.
I choose to view it through a lens that is in greater service to me though, taking the principle and applying it to me and my life. A reminder for me, that if you pay attention and engage your mind, there is always something you can learn, regardless of the intended audience.