The Race Before You

I was jogging one morning and saw a man in front of me, about 500 meters ahead. I could tell he was running a little slower than I was and I thought, good, I shall try to catch him. I had about a kilometer to go on my path before I needed to turn off.

So I started running faster and faster. I was gaining on him just a little bit. After just a few minutes, I was only about 100 meters behind him, so I really picked up the pace and pushed myself. I was determined to catch him, that I finally caught up with him and then, passed him.

On the inside, I felt so good. "I beat him" of course, but he didn't even know we were racing!

After I passed him, I realized I had been so focused on competing against him that I had missed my turn! I had gone nearly six blocks past it. I had to turn around and go all the way back, then it hit me!

Isn't that what happens in life when we focus on competing with co-workers, neighbors, friends, family, trying to outdo them or trying to prove that we are more successful or more important?

We spend our time and energy running after them and we miss out on our own paths to our God given destinies. The problem with unhealthy competition is that it's a never ending cycle.

There will always be somebody ahead of you, someone with better job, nicer car, more money in the bank, higher degree in education and status, a prettier wife/fiancee, a more handsome husband/fiancee, better behaved children, better opportunities, brighter future / prospects, among others.

In all these, you will realize that you can be the best that you can be when you are not competing with anyone. The only person you should ever be in a competition with is your past self.

Run your own race.

Source: Whatsapp