Words by Mae Cornes
The concept of the “infinite game” stems from the philosophical musings of James P. Carse, who distinguished between finite games played to win and infinite games to continue the play. Adopting an infinite mindset in the personal and professional development industry means shifting focus from short-term victories to long-term growth and sustainability. This approach not only fosters resilience but also encourages continual learning and adaptation.
Kasia Siwosz, a renowned life coach specialising in executive training, emphasises the importance of this perspective in today’s business environment. “The infinite game challenges the traditional markers of success and redefines what it means to truly excel in life and business,” Siwosz explains. Her approach involves guiding her clients to prioritise ongoing development over achieving static goals.
Athletes and executives: A comparative study
The mindset of a professional athlete is inherently aligned with the principles of the infinite game. Athletes train not just for the next game but for a career they hope will be lengthy and prosperous. This philosophy of continuous improvement and focus on long-term health and skill development directly applies to corporate executives, who must also consider the longevity of their careers and the sustained health of their companies.
Siwosz knows this all too well from her days on the tennis court. She draws on her experience as an athlete to teach corporate executives how the athlete’s regimen of ongoing training and strategic planning can lead to superior performance and job satisfaction.
According to a 2020 study by the Corporate Health and Wellness Association, executives adopting these athletic disciplines are 33 per cent more likely to report success in their professional and personal lives. “Adopting an athlete’s long-term improvement strategy can transform an executive’s career from a series of sprints to a marathon with enduring success,” notes Siwosz. This blending of athletic resilience and executive strategy fosters a comprehensive strategy for professional development.
Strategies to cultivate an infinite mindset
Transitioning to an infinite mindset requires strategically transforming one’s outlook to goals and success. Siwosz recommends several strategies to her clients to foster this transformation:
- Goal evolution: Instead of setting rigid, short-term targets, set adaptive and evolving goals that encourage continuous growth and allow adjustments based on changing circumstances.
- Lifelong learning: Commit to perpetual learning, which can mean formal education, experiential learning, or self-directed study. This ensures always being equipped to adapt to new challenges and opportunities.
- Resilience building: Cultivate resilience by facing challenges that stretch capabilities without being overwhelmed. This improves one’s ability to persevere through setbacks in any area of life.
“The shift from a finite to an infinite mindset opens up a world where every end is a new beginning, and each setback is a setup for a comeback,” says Siwosz. This perspective enhances professional resilience and personal satisfaction as it aligns more closely with the ongoing human journey of growth and discovery.
Embracing the philosophy of the infinite game
The infinite game is a strategy and a philosophy that can guide one’s entire approach to life and work. For leaders and individuals alike, redefining success to fit this model promises longevity and resilience and a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose.
Adopting this mindset can help one navigate the ups and downs of a career and the complexities of personal growth and development. By focusing on continuous play, the infinite game teaches that the journey is the reward.
All imagery credit: Kasia Siwosz
