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 & 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 ©2024 Stephen Boudreau.