What are finite and infinite goals?

Finite and infinite goals refer to the types of objectives we set in games and life pursuits.

Finite Goals: Finite games have specific objectives with a clear endpoint. These games are played with established rules, and there's a winning condition that ends the game. All participants agree when the game has ended based on those predefined goals. An example of a finite game is tennis, where the game proceeds according to agreed-upon sets and rules 1.

Infinite Goals: Infinite games, in contrast, have no defined endpoint; the primary purpose of playing is to continue playing. These games do not have a fixed goal or winning condition. Instead, the focus is on the journey itself, with the ongoing process as the goal. An example given is fitness, where there is no ultimate win but a continuous process of improvement and participation 1.

These concepts highlight different approaches to strategy and personal or organizational development, with infinite games promoting a continuous, adaptive strategy without a terminal goal.