Playing Infinite Games

Sunday, August 13th, 2023

The benefits of playing infinite games are widely understood. But I've found value in repurposing these ideas in my own framework and sharing them out.

Infinite games and a long-term view seem better for business and life. But they aren't commonly taught. Jeff Bezos and Warren Buffett exemplify this long term approach. Their decisions often seem less rational in the short term.

For example, Buffett doesn't seek the cheapest stocks because long term returns are better. This reduces volatility and fees. It allows more diligent picking, since holdings are long term. Has this proven true? There are reports he's sold off holdings a year after buying them. The point is the long view, not forever holdings.

Bezos bets on certainties like customers preferring lower prices and more choice. He invested in more inventory despite losses, knowing long term gains. This view discouraged competitors. It enabled strategic zooming out.

A long term life view means decisions that preserve relationships, even if the other person thinks short term. I've considered - is that wise? Over time, lost money decreases in value. The relationship may yield serendipity. Framing it as "how can I make this relationship yield long term serendipity?" is key.

Staying top of mind through newsletters and social media maintains connections. Small bets say you need short term sustainability. So find minimum sustenance and lots of at-bats. Give value freely via content - the long game. Ask what's truly valuable and sustainable.

Guarantee bare survival via savings, investments, or quasi-passive income. Then play infinite games trying new things. Seek early side gigs for basic needs. Then find infinite self-generative content. This low cost value for others is the long game.

About this artist who style I used in the Midjourney prompt:

Agnes Martin (1912-2004) was an American minimalist painter known for her serene abstract grid works. Executed with pencil and pale washes of color, her paintings embodied a long-term dedication to incremental refinement. Martin eschewed trends, focusing instead on emitting emotional inspiration through subtle variations. Over her decades-long career, she exemplified finding reward in the small details amplified over a lifetime of dedicating herself to her craft. Her incremental approach exemplified playing the infinite game.