Chasing vs. Running to the Finish Line of Goals
We often set goals that are personal, professional, or relational. In a sense, these goals are our finish lines—places where we hope to arrive with a sense of achievement. But how we approach these goals can affect our level of contentment.
I’ll preface this by saying that we all need people in our lives to mentor, support, encourage, and yes, challenge us.
However, sometimes there’s a shift that happens mentally when we metaphorically end up chasing someone toward a finish line instead of running to a finish line.
When everything becomes about catching up in a covetous nature instead of healthy challenge to motivate, you’re in an area that could damage your own contentment.
Chasing Someone to the Metaphorical Finish Line
When you’re chasing someone to the finish line, your focus shifts from your own journey to the actions, progress, and achievements of others. This approach often stems from a competitive mindset. You may start running with the intention of surpassing a colleague, friend, or even a stranger, believing that success is only valuable if you can outpace someone else.
At first, the adrenaline of competition can feel motivating. The desire to catch up, outperform, or surpass the person ahead of you might push you to work harder, stay focused, and improve. But eventually, this mindset starts to come with a price.
The Downside of Chasing:
Constant Comparison: When you're focused on someone else's pace or accomplishments, you may find yourself constantly measuring your progress against theirs. This comparison can leave you feeling inadequate, even if you’re making strides of your own. It’s easy to forget that everyone has a unique path and timing.
Stress and Burnout: Competition can sometimes lead to unnecessary pressure. You might push yourself too hard, sacrificing balance and well-being in an effort to catch up. This relentless pursuit of beating someone else can lead to exhaustion and stress, detracting from any satisfaction in the process.
Diminished Contentment: Even if you do reach the finish line before the other person, the sense of accomplishment might not feel as fulfilling. If the goal was rooted in comparison, you may find that the victory doesn’t bring the deep satisfaction you expected. You were so focused on the "race" that you missed the joy of your own progress.
Running with Others to the Finish Line
On the flip side, running to the finish line without constantly looking over your shoulder allows you to center your energy on your own goals and growth. Instead of measuring success by who is ahead of you, your journey is defined by your own aspirations, values, and benchmarks. Make your aspirations, values, and benchmarks personal to you then wisely invite people in to encourage and challenge you. Run alongside these people.
Don’t do life in a bubble, but don’t let the crowd swallow you whole either.
The Benefits of Running Toward the Finish Line:
Less Stress, More Joy: Without the pressure of competition, you can maintain a healthier pace. You’re less likely to burn out or feel overwhelmed because your goal is about progress.
Resilience and Adaptability: When you’re not obsessed with competing, you become more flexible. If obstacles arise, you can adjust without the fear of falling behind someone else. Your journey becomes less about speed and more about learning, adapting, and growing through challenges.
To Sum it Up:
When you chase someone to the finish line, you’re likely to experience comparison and as a result lack of focus and discontentment. When you run with others to the finish line, you’re likely to experience a sense of security and as a result more confidence and camaraderie.
So, the next time you set a goal, ask yourself: Are you chasing someone to the finish line, or are you running on your own yet with others? The latter might not only lead you to the finish line more peacefully but might also bring you a deeper sense of fulfillment once you get there.