Run Your Own Race

Life is a marathon, full of obstacles, twists, and turns. Imagine you’re actually running one. You try to keep pace with everyone else, searching for an open spot so you can surge out front, constantly looking over your shoulder to see who’s behind you. And then you stumble, you hit a rough patch, all because you were too busy paying attention to what everyone else was doing instead of focusing on the road ahead of you.

That’s how life is. And that’s how so many of us run. We forget we’re the masters of our own journey. It doesn’t matter how fast or slow everyone else is running. All that’s important is we keep pushing forward, mindful of what’s ahead of us, listening to the rhythm of our heartbeat for signs of fatigue or stress, not worrying about what’s behind us. It’s gone anyway. And like Forrest Gump, we run. When we’re tired, we sleep. When we’re hungry, we eat. When we need “to go”…. You get the point. :)

Recently, I created a video called “Passion”, which I’m sure many of you viewed. In it, I talk a lot about “being who you were meant to be”, regardless of what that is. But it goes beyond just following our heart, to do what we’re passionate about, because even when we do, we’ll inevitably hit roadblocks along the way. That’s when we find out what we’re truly made of, or as my Dad used to say, “We’re gonna separate the men from the boys now.” (Sorry ladies, it’s the only quote I could come up with!) Some of those roadblocks, of course, are beyond our control. Economic factors may confront us or health issues. But that’s not where my focus is with this piece, nor should it be yours. What I’m talking about is peer pressure, the feeling you have to be always in the lead, getting an instant fix. I’ll explain it this way. Be methodical. Plan. Organize. Manage your time wisely. Focus on your goals. Simplify your game plan and stick to it. Do what you do best, follow your instincts, and trust your heart, it will never fail you. But be mindful too that sometimes it’s good to ask for help. After all, it’s a long race and many times, an extra set of eyes, ears, and hands always come in useful. Besides, you never know when you’ll be asked for help, so be willing to give when called to the task.


"Gusto"