Welcome to The Happier Newsletter, a weekly newsletter where I provide actionable ideas to help you build a happier, healthier, and more meaningful life.
What’s on today
- Framework: Always Play The Infinite Game.
- Question: What Lights You Up?
- Quote: Ancient Wisdom For Every Day Life.
- Visual: What You Should Focus On.
Always Play The Infinite Game
I recently learned about this concept called ‘The Infinite Game.’
The basic premise is that in life, there are two main types of games: finite and infinite.
Finite games, like chess or football, have clear rules and a definite end goal - winning. On the other hand, infinite games, found in things like business and politics, are more about keeping the game going than winning outright.
Or as James P. Carse, writer of the book Finite and Infinite Games, explains it: “A finite game is played for the purpose of winning, an infinite game for the purpose of continuing the play.”
A good example of this concept is the story of Blockbuster and Netflix.
Once upon a time, there were two giants in the world of entertainment: Blockbuster and Netflix.
At the time, Blockbuster was the king of video rentals, with stores all over the world offering DVDs and VHS tapes for people to rent and watch at home. It was the go-to place for movie nights and weekend entertainment.
Initially, Netflix started out as a DVD rental-by-mail service. You could order DVDs online, and they'd send them to your mailbox. But Netflix saw the potential of streaming - allowing people to watch movies and shows instantly over the internet.
At first, Blockbuster didn't see Netflix as a threat. Why would people want to wait for DVDs in the mail when they could just walk into a store and pick one up?
But Netflix was playing a different game. They weren't just trying to win the DVD rental race; they were playing the infinite game of entertainment.
As technology advanced and more people got access to high-speed internet, streaming became the future. Netflix invested heavily in this technology and started offering a streaming service alongside their DVD rentals. Suddenly, people didn't have to leave their homes to watch movies - they could do it instantly, with just a few clicks.
Blockbuster, on the other hand, stuck to their finite game. They focused on their stores and didn't adapt to the changing landscape of entertainment. They even had the chance to buy Netflix at one point, but they passed it up.
In the end, because Blockbuster didn’t play the infinite game, they went bankrupt, and Netflix became the new king of entertainment.
The moral of the story is clear: we should always strive to play the infinite game rather than the finite one in life.
In daily life, this could like this: Many people (I’m guilty of this myself) begin exercising with the sole aim of shedding pounds. However, once that goal is achieved, the motivation often wanes, leading to a lapse in activity and eventual weight regain.
Rather than viewing exercise solely as a means to an end, we should approach it as part of the infinite game of life. Our ultimate objective isn't just to reach a certain weight, but to lead healthy, fulfilling lives for as long as possible.
Exercise is a vital component of this journey, contributing not only to weight management but also to overall well-being and longevity.
So by adopting an infinite mindset in life, we prioritise the long-term benefits, ensuring that our commitment endures beyond reaching any specific goal.
What Lights You Up?
Here's a little something to think about: "What can I do today that aligns with my values and brings me joy?"
When we do things that really matter to us and bring a smile to our faces, life just feels better. So, why not make it a habit to focus on what truly lights you up?
Whether it's spending time with loved ones, diving into a hobby, or simply enjoying the small pleasures, these little choices add up to a happier, more meaningful life.
Give it a try today and see where it takes you!
Ancient Wisdom For Every Day Life
“It is not in our control to have everything turn out exactly as we want, but it is in our control to control how we respond to what happens.” - Epictetus
One of the most powerful skills you can learn is to be able to differentiate between what you can control and what you can’t. What you have influence over and what you do not.
The minute you realise this, you’ll stop wasting energy on things that are out of your control and start using this energy on the things you have control over.
So next time when you're faced with something difficult in life, ask yourself “Is this within my control?”
"Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: some things are within your control, and some things are not." - Epictetus
What You Should Focus On
