Imagine life as a never-ending marathon, not a 100-meter dash. There’s no finish tape to burst through, no cheering crowd at the end. It’s a game without an end, a race with no podium. Now, picture yourself as a runner. Are you sprinting, gasping for breath, eyes glued to a non-existent finish line? Or are you finding your rhythm, pacing yourself, enjoying the scenery?

You see, when we strive to ‘win’ at life, we strain ourselves, seeking a victory that’s ever elusive. A race with no finish line has no winner. We sprint, we collapse, we burn out. We sacrifice our joy, our health, and our relationships in the pursuit of a ‘win’ that isn’t there.

Instead, consider a different approach. Play to stay in the game. It’s not about being the first, but being persistent. It’s about endurance, resilience. Playing to stay in the game isn’t a concession, it’s a strategy. You learn, grow, enjoy the journey. That’s a different kind of win, a sustainable one. It’s not about ‘winning’, it’s about playing. So, ask yourself, how do you want to play this endless game?

Stephen Boudreau serves as VP of Brand and Community at Virtuous Software. For over two decades, he has helped nonprofits leverage the digital space to grow their impact. To that end, Stephen co-founded RaiseDonors, a platform that provides nonprofits with technology and experiences that remove barriers to successful online fundraising. He is an avid (but aging) soccer player, audiobook enthusiast, and the heavily-disputed UNO champion of his household.

Copyright ©2023 Stephen Boudreau.