Your Career is an Infinite Game, Part 1

I am reading both Simon Sinek's The Infinite Game and Finite and Infinite Games: A Vision of Life as Play and Possibility by James P. Carse at the same time.

Why you ask? Because the whole point of the Career Alchemy Academy (JOIN HERE!) is that we approach our careers from an infinite mindset and these books speak directly to this perspective.

Though their books are addressed mainly to corporations and corporate leaders, the principles directly apply to what I teach in Career Alchemy Academy and to your career.

What is the Difference between an Infinite Game and a Finite One?

According to James P. Carse’s 1986 book finite and infinite games are distinctly different.

Finite games have fixed rules, known players, and an endpoint (like a football game, board games, or the typical goals companies set). The objective is to win, and once someone wins, the game ends for that round. Then you set up new rules and goals and go again.

When you think about your career as a Finite Game you believe there are certain finite goals to focus on to “win” in your career. Goals like; a certain job title, a promotion, awards and accolades, certifications and degrees, or a particular salary. Along the way you might “win” the promotion or you might not. You might win the offer from a company, or you might not. You might win the Best Employee prize, or you might not. You win. They lose. You lose. They Win. Someone wins and someone loses is the only outcome.

Infinite games, in contrast, have no fixed endpoint, and the players' goal is not to "win" but to continue playing. The rules can evolve, and the objective is to ensure sustainability and adaptability over time.

When you think about your career as an Infinite Game you are committed for the long haul. With this mindset, you do not let setbacks affect your mood, your day, or your belief in yourself, your skills, or the market. You build resiliency. Even when you do not see evidence of things happening you are not concerned. You are patient and trusting in the infinite game you are playing. You take breaks without fear. You bring a sick friend soup in the middle of the day. You stop the over-hustle and never fret about your to-do list – in fact, you rarely have one. You follow the inner nudge even when it does not make logistical sense. You do what feels the most peaceful and fun. You believe in your ability to respond, pivot, and find a whole new course of direction in your career without worry because you know that your career trajectory is to infinity and beyond!

This week, consider how you are approaching your job search and career as a finite game. What would be different if you were to approach it all as an Infinite Game?

Stay inspiHER’d,

~Laurie

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