New Year, New Race ?

If you have been following my substack, you would know that I have recommended ‘21 Letters on Life and Its Challenges’ written by Charles Handy, in my last article of 2024.

As I was reflecting on these 21 life lessons, one letter that stood out for its simplicity and impact was ‘Life is a Marathon not a Horse Race’. It offers a refreshing perspective on how we might approach this year's goals, not just in January, but throughout the year. Charles asks us to reconsider our approach to life, shifting from short-term competition to long-term, personal growth.

The Problem with Horse Races

In his letter, Charles compares life to a horse race, where only the top few participants matter. School rankings, career promotions, and even societal competition often operate like a horse race. The majority may not "win" and end up feeling like they’ve failed, even if they are progressing well. It’s a system that rewards those who perform the best in the eyes of others, rather than encouraging personal development. Charles questions this model, asking: What is the point of competing against others if we aren’t really learning or improving?

Life as a Marathon

Charles proposes that life is more like a marathon. In a marathon, participants are mostly focused on competing with themselves, aiming to improve their personal records, not necessarily to beat others. Life, much like a marathon, is about endurance, long-term goals, and consistent effort. While some may focus on running faster, for most, it’s about setting their own pace, enjoying the journey, and striving for personal growth. The best part? As long as you finish, you win. This viewpoint encourages a focus on self-improvement and long-term success rather than immediate, fleeting victories.

Self-Competition Over External Competition

Shifting our mindset from competing with others to competing with ourselves can be incredibly empowering. It’s about setting our own standards, making progress on our terms, and enjoying the process of growth. This mindset fosters a healthier relationship with success and failure. Instead of feeling defeated when we fall short of expectations, we can celebrate the small wins and focus on continual improvement. As Charles points out, life is long, and there will always be another opportunity to try again.

Moving Beyond External Targets

Charles shares his own experience of stepping away from the competitive world of organizations to become an independent writer and speaker. By creating his own goals and deadlines, he was able to set a pace that felt right for him. This self-set journey, though challenging, brought a sense of joy and purpose. In contrast to the rat race, his focus was not on climbing higher than others but on creating meaningful work. It was his own marathon, not a race dictated by external expectations.

Relevance to the New Year

As we approach a new year, it’s easy to fall into the trap of setting quick, measurable goals that are often tied to external validation. Instead, what if we approached our resolutions like a marathon? Instead of aiming for a few quick wins, we could focus on making consistent, sustainable progress toward a broader vision. Imagine setting personal goals that focus on growth and well-being over a year, rather than fixating on short-term milestones.

The marathon mindset asks us to view the year as a long, rewarding journey. Some days will feel like a sprint, while others will test our endurance. But through it all, we are improving, learning, and becoming better versions of ourselves. And just like a marathon, the race doesn’t end after one attempt. There's always next year, next month, or tomorrow.

New Year Wish

As we step into this New Year, let’s shift our focus from the frantic competition of the horse race to the steady, personal growth of the marathon. Life is not about being the fastest or the best compared to others. It’s about setting our own pace, focusing on personal development, and enjoying the journey. This year, let’s make it about competing against ourselves, not others, and remember—everyone wins as long as they finish the race.

Here’s to a year of meaningful progress and personal victories.