Fitness as an Infinite Game - A Mindset Shift

Would you want to play a game where you may or may not know all the players? One in which the rules keep changing and the aim of the game is not to win but to just be in the game? Like it or not, we all play a few of these infinite games. One of which is Life.

Are you tired of losing the fitness game?

Do you start working out with a bang but quickly lose motivation and fall off the wagon?

You're not alone.

Most people approach fitness as a finite game, with a clear beginning and an end. But fitness is an infinite game.

There is no finish line, no trophy to win. The goal is to keep playing, getting better, and improving your health and fitness.

Gym buddies

What does it mean?

• There are no specific rules. Every player is different and defines their objectives and reasons for getting into the game.

• It's a never-ending expedition. Do you remember infinite progression mobile games such as Minecraft? All we had to do in Minecraft was just keep playing. The more we played, the more points we got and the next time was about surpassing the previous score. Fitness is exactly like that.

• No pre-decided metrics. It is always going to be about the next step. For example, in soccer, the pre-decided metric for winning the game is to score more goals in the stipulated period, which makes it a finite game.

How does it matter?

• It stops negative comparisons. You get to appreciate others' progress along with yourself and acknowledge your individuality.

• Builds patience. This awareness frees us from the bondage of time and you can acknowledge that you are putting your best foot forward.

• Increases self-awareness. It gives you the ability to have a holistic approach and look at all the facets of fitness in detail.

• A shift in mindset. When you associate "winning" with "being consistent", you will not feel good if you miss your workout for more than a day, because every other kind of metric becomes secondary. And because of this, you won't need motivation to work out.

How do I play the infinite game of fitness?

• Understand that there is no wrong way of doing this. All aspects of fitness will be connected sooner or later. Don't worry!

• Start with the most convenient and doable thing to do and do it consistently. It could be just cutting down on oil intake or just 30 minutes of walk. The first few steps will build your foundation.

• Acquire knowledge. There is no rush. If you know 3 more things related to fitness each week, you will see observable and considerable progress.

• Know your current fitness standards. When you know your current status and can grade it on your scale, it will help you draw out your fitness roadmap. This is something we can help you do. Connect with us for a free consultation.

• Build and play small finite games within the larger infinite game. We have been conditioned since childhood to play finite games and it might get difficult to change the mindset altogether i.e. compete for the percentage of increase in strength in 12 weeks with your gym buddy.

Tips to start playing today

• Make small & sustainable changes. Aim for habit changes that you can stick with for the long haul.

• Find a fitness routine that you enjoy. It’s essential to draw pleasure and enjoyment through the hard work you put in. There are endless possibilities when it comes to fitness, so there's no need to do something you hate. Find an activity that you find fun and that you can stick with.

• Get a workout plan that fits well into your lifestyle. What disturbs your lifestyle and daily life will disturb the routine in the long run. Imbibe and stitch it into your lifestyle and mindset. Think sustainable.

• Set short-term finite goals. Setting realistic goals is the key. Start with small goals that you know you can count on for a defined period. But don’t be too lenient with yourself. It’s essential to know what’s an appropriate goal for you.

• Build your team or find a fitness partner. You don’t have to fight it out alone. Get your family/friends, motivate one another, and most importantly, enjoy the process.

• Make fitness a part of your everyday life. Don't wait for a special occasion to get moving. Make fitness a part of your daily routine by taking a walk, doing your household chores yourself, ditching the elevator and taking the stairs, regulating the amount of oil used in food to even meal prepping to be consistent with your diet.

• Be patient and persistent. It takes a lot of time and effort to see results from fitness. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results overnight. Just keep playing the game and you will eventually reach your goals.

I need to be guided through this game

You are unique. And you must consider that in road mapping your fitness journey.

Sometimes it can get difficult and overwhelming to factor in all the variables while making your plan. This is where a coach brings in the objectivity that is needed to lay out the next steps and this makes the entire process 10 times easier.

If you need help in curating these finite games and want to understand how to start the process and build the mindset, follow the link.

Taking the steps

Understandably, you might feel overwhelmed with the task of changing your mindset and it might feel too proverbial.

But trust me that if you start building this mindset, you will see yourself working out and eating healthy every day as a mere choice and not because of a task to complete.

I know you want to jump to that part of the journey where motivation just acts as a booster to go the extra mile, but you are good to go even without it.