We all have goals we set for ourselves and often while working hard towards achieving them, we find ourselves racing against time. When we look back on events and outcomes in our life, we will realise that some things happened well before we expected and some things took longer than we wanted. We can achieve what we are striving for and also make the journey enjoyable if we learn to live by the simple principle – ‘if the direction is right, don’t stress the speed’.

Results are an outcome of our efforts and circumstances. Since circumstances are variable and not in our control, results therefore are also not in our control. Stressing the timeline is pointless and focussing on dedicated effort and giving our best becomes the point of life.

When we anchor ourselves to the right direction, we gain inner and outer alignment, saving us from the risk of dissipating and wasting energy and resources. A good captain always has one eye on the compass knowing that even a one-degree difference in direction can lead to being miles away from the destination.

Direction brings inspiration and motivates us, insisting on speed brings stress. Of course, there is merit in having timelines and being disciplined about not procrastinating. The secret is knowing that if we are not veering off-course and don’t lose focus, we have the best chance of achieving what we are working towards in the best possible timeline.

Often speed starts becoming a race and before we realise it, we start comparing ourselves to others, seeing how far they have reached, and spend the better part of our lives playing catch-up to an imaginary moving target. In the stress of coming first, we often forget the reason and vision with which we started and we sacrifice our peace of mind at the altar of pace of life.

Today is the last day of 2023 and tomorrow ushers in the New Year. We will reflect on the year gone by, our successes and setbacks. As we plan ahead and dedicate ourselves to a better future, let us remind ourselves that more than the clock, we need to watch our compass, especially our inner compass. And soon we will truly understand and live by the simple yet powerful principle – if the direction is right, we don’t need to stress the speed.

Happy New Year !

(Picture – Muskoka Bay, Canada)