A story is told of a man, let’s call him Enoch, he was jogging early one morning and he noticed someone about half a kilometer ahead. Enoch could tell he was running a little slower than him and he thought, well, I will try to catch him. He had about a Kilometer before he needed to turn off. So he started running faster and faster.
Every block, he was gaining on him just a little bit. After just a few minutes Enoch was only about 100 metres behind him, so he really picked up the pace and pushed himself. You would have thought he was running in the last leg of an Olympic competition. He was determined to catch him.
Finally, Enoch did it! He caught up with him and passed him. On the inside, he felt so good. “I beat him” Of course, he didn’t even know they were racing. After Enoch passed him, He realized he had been so focused on competing against him that he had missed his turn. Enoch had gone nearly six blocks past his turn and he had to turn and go back.
This is what happens in life when we focus on competing with others; 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 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 a better job, nicer car, more money in the bank, more education, a prettier wife, a more handsome husband, better behaved children, etc. But realize that “You can be the best that you can be, when you are not competing with anyone.”
Some people are insecure because they pay too much attention to what others are, where others are going, wearing and driving. Take whatever you have, the height, weight and personality. Dress well and wear it proudly, you’ll be blessed by it. Be focused and live a healthy life.
There is no competition in Destiny because Destiny is very personal.
Run your own race
By Magdaline Kiyeng ’11