Preface: This is a multi part of a series discussing the state of play for a graduate game designer in Sydney. Whilst this series of articles focuses on game design graduates many of the observations and underlining principles are still applicable to other fields and situations.
What is the infinite game?
Finite and Infinite Games is a book by religious scholar James P. Carse. Well known writer (1000 true fans) and editor of wired magazine Kevin Kelly has praised it for "altering my thinking about life, the universe, and everything”.
One of the arguments Carse makes is "There are at least two kinds of games: finite and infinite. Finite games are those instrumental activities - from sports to politics to wars - in which the participants obey rules, recognize boundaries and announce winners and losers. The infinite game (There is only one) includes any authentic interaction, from touching to culture, that changes rules, plays with boundaries and exists solely for the purpose of continuing the game. A finite player seeks power; the infinite one displays self-sufficient strength. Finite games are theatrical, necessitating an audience; infinite ones are dramatic, involving participants.”
Infinite Game
Known and unknown players.
Rules Change.
Objective is to keep playing.
Play to improve each day.
Joy comes from advancement.
Finite Game
Known players.
Fixed rules.
Objective is agreed upon.
Play to beat those in the game.
Joy comes from comparison.
So how does this apply to learning and life?
Playing the infinite game builds resilience and understanding through learning and application, there is no finite end no completion reward no ceiling to cap your potential or ambition you keep working to improve. It is a single source of truth providing nowhere to hide constantly exposing choice, action, and outcome. There are no victims, no one to blame, and it is for the most part up to you.
“A mirror can be the most hurtful weapon”.
Dedication
There is a saying that goes something like “Motivation will get you started, discipline will we see you finish” but what does this mean?
The term discipline is a broad term and is not directly actionable. The simplest, most effective, and measurable approach we can take in being disciplined is to create good habits for ourselves. Make learning a habit; this will lead to a change in mindset. No longer will you fear change or an unexpected challenge, instead you will relish any challenge that tests your resolve. You will see problems as a new learning opportunity, not as an immovable object or a hurdle to fall. With this mindset, every positive outcome will build your confidence and self-esteem, any adverse outcome will provide you with an opportunity to develop your resilience and understanding. This approach always better prepares you for your next challenge. It is important to remember there is no success or failure just outcomes to be improved.
Focus on the now
The book “The power of now” by Eckhart Tolle touches on many subjects but emphasizes the point that you only have the present moment the now, not the past not the future but now. So now is the time to take action, don't start tomorrow, don't wait for the right time, don't wait for it to happen because it won't, take the steps you need to make now to get to where you want to go.
A letter to my students part 3: The reality of the graduate (Coming soon).