Online Reporter
Authur Marara
Point Blank
Life is often described as a race, a journey filled with twists, turns, and a plethora of unique challenges.
Each one of us is given our own track to run on, but far too frequently, we find ourselves glancing over our shoulder to see how our neighbours are faring in their races.
This tendency to compare ourselves to others can lead us away from our paths and distract us from our true goals.
The key to success lies not in the competition with others but in the competition with ourselves—running our own race and striving to become the best version of ourselves.
The story of Joel Osteen: a lesson learned
Renowned motivational speaker Joel Osteen shared a personal anecdote that beautifully illustrates this concept. During one of his morning jogs, he spotted a runner approximately half a kilometre ahead of him.
Sensing he could catch up, Joel decided to turn his run into an impromptu competition. Fuelled by determination, he pushed himself harder until he eventually passed the unknown adversary.
For a fleeting moment, joy surged through him as he celebrated his perceived victory, believing he had bested another competitor. However, reality struck when he realised that in his pursuit of beating someone else’s time, he had missed his turn and had veered far off his intended path.
This experience serves as a poignant reminder that focusing on others can cause us to stray from our own goals.
It urges us to remain mindful of our unique paths and challenges, reminding us that our journeys are not meant to be measured against one another.
Practical life lessons
Let us share some life thoughts and lessons from the story above.
1. Avoid the pitfall of comparison
It has often been said that comparison is the thief of joy. Do you really like the school that your child is at or is it because you wanted to level up or appear to your colleague as if you are still liquid? Do your kids even enjoy the schools you are sending them? Is it even about them, or it is just about you trying to compare with friends and peers? Do you have to buy that car that you want to buy? Do you even need to change your address or do you want to do it for people? Comparison steals joy.
In today’s age of social media, it is easier than ever to compare our lives with those of others. Whether it is friends, celebrities, or influencers, we often find ourselves measuring our worth against the seemingly perfect lives we see displayed online. However, it is crucial to remember that everyone faces struggles, insecurities, and setbacks that are often hidden from public view. Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we should focus on our unique qualities and the individual journey ahead of us.
2. Set personal goals
Just as Osteen had a personal goal of reaching his destination, each of us should set our benchmarks for success. Establish clear, achievable goals that resonate with your passions and values. These goals serve as signposts on your journey—your very own milestones to strive for. Make it a point to regularly assess and refine these objectives based on your evolving aspirations.
3. Embrace self-competition
Instead of racing against others, challenge yourself to be better than you were yesterday. Reflect on your past achievements and set forth with the aim to surpass them. With each small improvement or triumph, you will not only foster a sense of personal satisfaction but also build resilience and confidence that propels you further along your path.
4. Celebrate others’ successes
Rather than feeling envious of others’ achievements, cultivate a practice of celebrating their successes as well. Learn to cheer for friends, colleagues, and even strangers who reach their goals. This consciousness of support fosters a positive environment where everyone can thrive and encourages the belief that there is enough success to go around for all.
5. Stay on your path
Just like Osteen, who missed his turn by being overly focused on someone else’s race, it is important to stay alert and attentive to our own journey. Regularly check in with yourself to ensure you are aligned with your goals. Stay true to your path, and do not be afraid to take detours when necessary; sometimes those unexpected turns can lead to the most rewarding experiences.
6. Persevere through challenges
The path to success is seldom a straight line. There will be hurdles that challenge your determination along the way. Embrace these obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning. Resilience is built in the face of adversity. By overcoming challenges, you are not just bettering yourself for the race, but you are also building character and strength.
7. Practice mindfulness
Remaining present in the moment allows you to focus on your race. Engage in mindfulness practices that help you cultivate awareness and clarity. Whether through meditation, deep breathing, or simply taking a moment to appreciate your surroundings during a jog, staying grounded can help you avoid distractions and stay committed to your goals.
Ultimately, the race of life is uniquely your own. You have your pace, your goals, and your set of circumstances. Accept that your journey will look different from those around you, and that is perfectly okay.
Channel Osteen’s experience into your life as a catalyst to evaluate where you may have strayed from your path or succumbed to unhealthy competition.
Remember: the race is not about competing with others; it is about running your race, making progress, and embracing every step of your journey towards success. So lace up your shoes, focus on your path, and keep running your race—one step at a time. Your victory awaits!
As you continue on your journey, let every stride remind you that your story is unique, your potential is limitless, and your race is worth running.
Dive deep into your aspirations, reconnect with your vision, and remember that success is not just measured by the finish line, but by the growth and resilience you cultivate along the way.
Run your race, and do it with passion and purpose!
Arthur Marara is a corporate law attorney, keynote speaker, peak performance and corporate strategy speaker. With his delightful humour, raw energy, and wealth of life experiences, he captivates audiences and inspires them to unlock their full potential. He is also a leadership expert with extensive experience in leadership development and coaching. He is passionate about developing effective leaders and empowering individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential. Through his engaging talks and workshops, he imparts invaluable insights and practical strategies that empower individuals to lead with confidence and make a lasting impact. Arthur is the author of “Toys for Adults” a thought-provoking book on entrepreneurship, and “No One is Coming” a book that seeks to equip leaders to take charge.
Feedback: greatnessclinic@gmail.com or Visit his website www.arthurmarara.com or contact him at +263772467255 (Calls) or WhatsApp: at +263780055152.
