NdukuOutLoud

“Run your own race” we’re told. But I’ve never really understood it. Honestly, I don’t know if I do now-because, first of all, a race is a competition. There are participants and a winner. And that’s not life. We’re not competing, and there’s no winner. Ultimately, we all face the inevitable end, and let’s be honest-no one wants to “win” at that.

Secondly, life is wildly unpredictable. Unlike a race, there’s no fixed course to follow. Races have set routes and clear instructions. Maybe it’s this mindset-treating life like a race with one designated course-that has led so many of us to follow a rigid route: birth>school>job>marriage>kids>death. But is that really all there is? I don’t think so. Life shouldn’t be about just finishing, and certainly not about finishing fast.

So, I decided to see this concept differently. And maybe I’m a little late to the party and this has been the meaning all along. But, If it’s going to be a solo race, then we have the power to set the path ourselves. We can decide which direction to take, embrace and enjoy the detours, and even allow ourselves to change course along the way. After all, isn’t the point to enjoy the journey? This also means that we’re not all lined up on the same starting track. We can all take our own very different paths.

And since we’re not competing with each other, maybe the race is against ourselves instead. We challenge the versions of ourselves that hold us back. We outrun procrastination and self-doubt. We leave behind people-pleasing and laziness. We push ourselves to become better-not to beat someone else, but to become someone we’re proud of.

This redefines the finish line. It no longer about death, but about constantly striving to be the best versions of ourselves. That version will evolve as we grow and improve, so this course will keep shifting too. But that’s okay-it’s a start.

So yes, your race, your course, your finish line. Set it, embrace it, and enjoy every step of the way.