---
title: "Finite vs. Infinite Games"
description: "Those aiming to play outdo those aiming to win."
date: 2021-01-29
tags: [strategy, thinking]
url: https://nem035.com/notes/infinite-games-simon-sinek
---

[**Watch**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_osKgFwKoDQ)

Finite games have clear winners and losers. They start and end. Boundaries are
set. Rules are known. Think: baseball or college admissions.

Infinite games? They're played for the joy of playing. Consider business or
politics. Infinite players outdo finite ones.

For instance:

- Apple aims to enhance global computing.
- Microsoft aims to outdo Apple.

Over time, infinite players prevail. Finite players tire or exhaust their
resources.

Value matters more than short-term gains. The best organizations prioritize
values over fleeting interests. Finite players often miss this.

Authenticity and value draw loyalty. Know your mission. Stand for something.
People, whether employees or customers, gravitate towards authenticity.

A goal? That's running 26.2 miles. A vision? Being a lifelong runner.

Great entities, be they companies, communities, or individuals, embrace the
infinite game. They're steered by values, not mere interests. Their vision may
seem out of reach now, but it's the pursuit that sparks innovation.

Unity and loyalty stem from a shared purpose.

So, why merely win a race when you can be a runner for life?