A very dear friend recently shared an interesting story. A professor asked a class what the purpose of brakes was in a car. The class gave the obvious answer that it helped slow down the car. The professor went on to say something very different – she said brakes actually helped drive faster. She asked the important question – what would happen if there were no brakes in a car, how fast would we be willing to go? Knowing that we have brakes, we dare to go faster.

Once we recognise the brakes in our life, not only does it increase our ability and self-confidence, it opens up opportunities we may never have considered.

Awareness is the brake we apply when we find ourselves getting carried away with our success. Awareness of what is happening within us and around us is key to remaining grounded, focussed, and disciplined. Greater our awareness, greater our ability to navigate through the ups and downs of life.

Self-control is a brake we impose on ourselves, especially at the time of temptation and when we are getting influenced. Our confidence that we can stop ourselves at will, allows us to explore and experience life without pressure and fear.

Knowledge is a brake that stops us from deviating from our course, thus allowing us to make better decisions and get sharper at assessing a situation. Knowledge applied at the right time helps avoid mistakes, making the journey smoother and faster for us.

Moderation is a brake that tempers our indulgence in the face of prosperity. Just because we can afford it, doesn’t mean we need to have it. Of course we must give ourselves the best, but if we don’t moderate our lifestyle and choices, excess can become a huge problem.

We may not realise it, but our deeper convictions are a brake that stops us from making decisions that clash with our principles and values, helping us navigate life on a relatively straight and narrow path. And when we are at a crossroads in life, we know that our conviction will stop us and help us decide the way forward.

A good driver not only checks his course, speed, and amount of fuel, but regularly stops at the petrol pump and checks that the brakes are working well. We too need to periodically slow down and check that our awareness, self-control, knowledge, willpower, and convictions have not weakened over time. A good driver also knows that when brakes fail, accidents happen.

The world will see us accelerate and may marvel at our speed. But deep down only we know that we are able to move fast because we have taken care of our internal braking system, and have applied the brakes at the right time.

(Picture – At one of my favourite coffee shops in Mumbai)