Staying On Track In a Fast-Paced World

Running this thing called life isn't a walk in the park. It takes some level of discipline to scale through.

It is better to be slow on the right track than to be fast on the wrong lane. You get to the finish line on time but won't get a prize because that's not your track. #irorospeaks

I remember back in secondary school, my house had a good runner. He was acclaimed to be one of the fastest in the school at the time. On the day of heat(this comes up before the main inter-house sports day) The crowd was solidly behind him to win the day.

I recall chanting his name when he got on the track. It was a 400m dash. At the sound of the whistle, each competitor dashed off. We all watched with anticipation with a blend of excitement as we converged at the finish line.

It was a heated encounter. We could see our man leading the park, the crowd was set for the victory chant. The moment arrived and he crossed the finish line first. A crowd of excited fans plunged at him with officials struggling to keep them at bay. 

Glucose on one hand and water on the other. A house captain was fanning him while another was offering him gum to revive his energy. As we all stood awaiting the declaration from the sports desk.

The results were announced. Lo and behold one champ was disqualified. Our housemaster raged and matched to the sports desk to demand an explanation from other house officials.

We watched from afar with disdain as our housemaster and officials matched back with a downcast face. they had been informed of what had transpired and why our champ was disqualified.

Our champ started the race on lane 5 but finished on lane 2. That was tantamount to disqualification. His action was in violation of the first rule: "In all races run in lanes, each competitor shall keep within his/her allocated lane from start to finish." 

He was the best on the track but switching lane disqualified him from his moment of glory. That encounter was a hard knock for us back then. We ended the season in second place.

We were disappointed but we learned from that encounter. Three years after we got crowned champions of the school. That was the first time in over 9years before that time. All through that final winning season, we reminded each athlete to stay on their own lane.

For athletes, staying on track isn't an easy task especially when running the full length of the arena. There are tendencies to cross paths but if they're going to win the medal, they require discipline to stay on track.

You might be the fastest in the world, if you don't stay on the right track, you win nothing other than crossing the finishing line before others. Nothing is as disheartening as giving your best only to realize it wasn't worth it.

Life is a race. Everyone is running according to their own pace and on their own lane. There would be times where you drift from side to side but remember to always come back to your own lane.

You don't have to be the fastest to win, you require to be on the right track for that to happen. Sometimes, it is not about finishing first but starting and getting to the end.

Unlike a typical athletic game, the race of life doesn't have a default start and finish point. Medals are not awarded to those who run fast but rather to those who crossed the finish line. Take all the time you want, as long as you cross the line that's what counts.

Of course, it's not bad to be fast. As long as you're on the right track that should be the goal. If there is one thing long-distance race teaches: control your breathing and maintain a safe pace is it.

See life as a marathon and not a sprint. Start slow, run slower. This helps to balance your pace and get you ready to launch forward. Don't get pressured to dash out from start. You might be worn out before you even complete the first lap. #irorospeaks

Here is a quick summary of all you just read.
1. Stay on your lane
2. Speed isn't everything
3. Maintain your pace
4. Life is a marathon, not a sprint
5. Finish stronger and better.
Most importantly, have fun while you run life.

Do you have issues staying focused or are you easily swayed from your track? Then you need an accountability partner who can help keep you in check.

Send a DM, let's get started.

Best regards
#irorospeaks