While
cycling, I noticed a person about a quarter kilometer ahead of me. I could tell
he was cycling a bit slower than I was, so I decided to try to catch up with
him. I had about a kilometer left on the road before my turn-off. I started
cycling faster and faster, gaining on him little by little with every block.
After a few minutes, I was only about 100 yards behind him. Determined to
overtake him, I pushed myself harder, as if I were in the final leg of the
London Olympic triathlon.
Finally, I
caught up with him and passed him by. Internally, I felt an immense sense of
satisfaction. "I beat him," I thought, even though he didn't even
know we were racing.
After
passing him, I realized that I had been so focused on this impromptu
competition that I missed my turn. I had gone nearly six blocks past it and had
to turn around and backtrack.
This
experience made me reflect on how often in life we focus on competing with
others—whether co-workers, neighbors, friends, or family—trying to outdo them
or prove that we are more successful or important. We spend our time and energy
chasing after others and, in doing so, miss out on our own paths to our
destinies.
Moral: The problem
with unhealthy competition is that it’s a never-ending cycle. There will always
be someone ahead of you—someone with a better job, a nicer car, more money in
the bank, more education, a prettier spouse, a more handsome partner,
better-behaved children, and so on.
Embrace what
life has given you: your height, weight, and personality. Dress well and wear
your uniqueness proudly. You will be blessed by it. Stay focused and live a
healthy life. There’s no competition in destiny. Run your own race and wish
others well!