Finite Games vs. Infinite Games

During holidays and weekends, my kids love playing games, and my husband and I happily join them. I’m often the one who loses, not because I can’t win, but because I don’t try to. For me, the joy comes from seeing their smiles and hearing their laughter. That’s the real win. 

This playful tradition reminds me of an important concept: finite games and infinite games. Finite games are clear-cut, they have rules, winners, and an endpoint. Think of board games, sports, or even short-term goals like taking a test or landing a job. Infinite games, on the other hand, are boundless. They encompass life itself, our growth, relationships, creativity, and the impact we leave behind. 

As parents, we often focus on teaching our kids how to succeed in finite games, get good grades, or excel in activities to be successful in college and career. But what about infinite games? Teaching them values, love, kindness, grace, gratitude, resilience, curiosity, and how to find true meaning in life’s journey is far more valuable. 

While winning finite games can feel rewarding, thriving in infinite games leads to fulfillment. So, I hope we all encourage our children to play for the long haul and to live with purpose, passion, and joy. After all, life is the ultimate infinite game.