I watched a video many years ago and I am sure most people would have seen it too. Whether you have seen it or not, the lessons are valid even till now and I will be sharing my thoughts on it.
We all have varying needs and any amount we get as an addition would always be welcomed, right? If anyone asked you to race for a $100 bill, would you? Even if you don't like running, you might want to fancy your chances because it's a gain for you at least. For me, I love running and I have mentioned that in a few of my articles before. I would gladly take anyone on for a $100 bill.
This coach gathered a lot of people together. I am sure they were more than 50 or close to it - people from different ethnicity. He asked them to race and the winner would get $100. I was shocked to see even ladies willing to compete with men and that's to show you how much winning that would mean to them. The excitement was obvious to everyone.
They formed a single line horizontally and were ready to race but he asked them to listen to few instructions before they start. He asked them to take steps forward every time they hear his instruction that applies to them. He asked the first set of people to take two steps forward if both of their parents are still together. Quite a few of them stepped forward. He further asked those who still have at least a father figure in their lives to take two steps forward too. Some are still rooted to the same spot while others have taken at least 2 steps forward or 4 steps.
He asked them to take two steps forward if they have access to private education. Shockingly, there were still some without any step forward. They felt the race was already over for them because others have the advantage already if the race was to start. He asked them to take two steps forward if they had access to free tutors or school while growing up. Another instruction was for those who had nothing to worry about because they have those who worry for them and a few of them took two steps ahead also.
He asked those who don't have to pay for a college education or degree (not because of their athletic ability) to also take two steps forward. The last question came and that's for those who never have to worry about where their next meal would come from, to take two steps forward and some did. That's the sad and painful thing about life. We feel some have the advantage over us and in this race, if they were to run facing where they were, it's obvious those ahead might take the win. It was shocking because there were few people still on the initial line without taking any step forward.
He asked those who had taken some steps forward to turn around and see those behind them - to see those they have left behind and he cited that that's how life works. Those rooted on the same spot, it had nothing to do with what they had done wrong nor those who went farther ahead, it had nothing to do with what they had done right.
Those questions had nothing to do with any of them. If they want to change their narrative, they would have to do something for themselves and not be defined by the actions or inactions of their parents. Often time we give excuses and allow our background to keep us down. Most of the time we focus too much on others rather than doing something for ourselves. I agree, it is hard and others have a better start than others but I can tell you that our gifts can make a way for us if we do choose.
Learning about the stories of others can help us and keep us on our toes. We often feel others have it better than us and it has taken away our confidence and even resolve to look inward and be deliberate about being better. Leverage on the advantage that life has given you and if anyone feels they have no advantage, it is because they haven't found out about themselves yet. I've stopped making excuses for my life a long time ago and I would want others to know that how they turn out is dependent on them rather than the kind of family they are born into or the kind of advantage others are having. Even those with the 'supposed' advantage, if they don't work towards it, they will soon fizzle out and be left behind.
Focus on what life has given you. Leverage on it and try to make something out of it. No one can become great when all he does is make excuses rather than seek opportunities. There is a place where you have to take responsibility for your life. Your dad might have played a part in how you turned out but he doesn't have to determine how you end. Your friend might have been a reason why you got that job in that high profile company but your friend won't be the one to do the job for you there. That's the summary of what I am trying to pass across.
Thank you for your time.
this is realy informaive,i think it's need to know everyone ❤️