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low angle view of a young male athlete crossing the finish line first |
I am in competition with no one, I run my own race, I have no desire to play the game of being better than anyone, in any way, shape, or form. I just aim to improve, to be better than I was before. That’s me and I’m free. – Anonymous
Human beings are competitive by nature, many will say. However, I beg to differ. Most of us are socialised to become competitive. It starts from when we are barely out of our diapers, when our parents start comparing our developmental milestones.
It continues in kindergarten when our parents encourage us to outdo other children during our painting and drawing classes.
The competition heats up in primary and secondary schools when our parents insist that we become the top 10 if not top three in our class.
Of course there will be a present awaiting us when we do well to make them proud.
We head to university and we are cheered on to perform well, and the degree celebrations are merrier if one scoops a First Class honours.
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP
You then enter the job market and the boardroom wars begin. Everyone eyes the corner office and everyone wants the most lucrative job.
As you get older, the competition loses meaning and grows to become something ugly.
Rivalry rears its ugly head and the struggle becomes real. You turn green with envy when you realise that your friend has a loving marriage or healthy relationship.
You become jealous when you realise that your longtime friend is living life on the fast lane and appears happier than you are.
The competition becomes uglier as you resent their good hair, skin and even their well-behaved children.
By the time you realise that you are cut out for a different life, and that it does not mean that your life is probably of a better quality, it may be too late.
A lot of damage may have been caused and many days and nights spent in misery. Welcome to modern day society, where being average does not count and is not good enough.
Some of us are lucky to learn in good time that life is not about competing, but enjoying what you have been granted. Without a doubt, everyone is running their own special race, and even though some races may be similar, they are still distinct.
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It pays to be to stay on your lane or else you will collide with others, and that is a recipe for disaster. How about setting a pace you are comfortable with and focusing on the special qualities of the race that the universe has granted you?
Truth be told, even the tortoise runs a special race, and will eventually cross the line.