“Life is a race. If you do something better and excel, you win.”
A statement that often echoes around us, urging us to strive, compete, and achieve.
But have you ever pondered—is life really a race? Or could there be something deeper, something more profound?
This question arose during one of my yoga classes, and it struck a chord with me. It resonated with both my professional journey and the life lessons I’ve accumulated.
At first glance, the idea seems empowering. It reminds me of what Philip II shared with young Alexander, molding him into “The Great.”
Philip said to young Alexander, “Son, you must aspire to be like Ajax and Hercules—great ancestors of our lineage who transcended humanity and became gods. Only by reaching this state can you embark on your last journey to heaven and attain godhood.”
But Aristotle, Alexander’s revered teacher, had a unique ask to him. He advised, “When you explore the world and reach India, bring me one gymnosophist—I wish to learn from them.”
What wisdom did Aristotle foresee? Perhaps it was a lesson of nirvana than to become Hercules ?
The Study Group Paradox
Imagine yourself as part of a study group—preparing for exams or tackling academic assignments. You join, intending to learn, clarify doubts, and gain insights. Others share the same motivation, aiming to fulfill personal goals.
Here, you’re not competing but self-teaching and mastering your own skills. You learn to harness your strengths, refine your planning, and grow through your efforts. In this environment, life isn’t a race; it’s an opportunity for self-mastery.
The Exam Scenario
Consider the exam situation. Your goal is to achieve good grades. Success comes from the knowledge and skills you have gained. It’s not about defeating others, but about bringing out the best version of yourself. This scenario highlights the essence of individual accomplishment.
The Team Dynamics Dilemma
Now, think about teamwork. Whether in the workplace, on the field, or a small collaborative project, teams work toward common goals. Each member contributes their unique skills and perspectives, making collective success possible.
Yet, if you approach teamwork with a competitive mindset—focusing only on personal gains like appraisals or recognition—you risk undermining the team’s harmony. Would you view your family as a competition? Certainly not. Then why perceive work or daily life like a race?
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Life as Endurance, Not a Sprint
Here’s a personal anecdote: I’ve completed eight 100-kilometer cycling rides so far. These are endurance rides, not races. Starting at 5 AM, each participant cycles at their own pace—some completing the journey in 4-5 hours, others taking until noon. Along the way, we reach 3 or 4 pit stops, where we gather, help one another,eat, fill water, and motivate each other. Riders who finish early wait for the rest, celebrating and encouraging everyone to push forward. “Everyone wins.”
Why can’t our approach to life, work, family, and profession mirror this mindset? Life is an endurance journey—a persistent, collective endeavor filled with meaning and purpose maintained as a team.
The Indian spirituality encapsulates this through the concept of karma (actions), composed of two essential elements:
- Dharma: Your duty or discipline to act with righteousness.
- Moksha: The freedom to perform actions aligned with dharma.
When dharma and moksha take precedence over rewards or recognition, our actions carry deeper significance. Problems arise when accolades overshadow the essence of karma.
It’s time to shift our perspective and abandon the race mentality. Let’s strive not for individual success but for collective growth and enduring impact. Reflect on your actions through the lens of dharma and moksha, rediscovering the true purpose of your life’s journey.
I’ll delve deeper into the contrast between race and endurance in my upcoming post. Let’s continue this dialogue and create meaningful footprints together.
After reading, don’t just share your views. Leave footprints—your comments will inspire and guide other readers, enriching this collective exploration.
