Pacing

The story of the tortoise and the hare contrasts two traits: natural ability and consistency. It is not enough to have natural ability if it is not coupled with consistency. As the story goes the hare was challenged to a race by the tortoise. The hare quickly agreed because he knew that the tortoise was slow in every thing he did. The hare believed he would beat the tortoise handily.

There was a problem though. The natural speed that the hare possessed gave him a level of confidence that exceeded his pacing. He was so overconfident that he began doing things to slow himself down, going off track, running backwards, running in circles and hopping on one leg. Meanwhile, the tortoise was steady, focused and purposeful.

Eventually, the hare decided to take a nap and why not? The tortoise was so far behind it could never catch up with his lead. Or could it? While the hare slept, the tortoise moved closer and closer to the finish line. When the hare awoke from his nap, it was just in time to see the tortoise just inches away from crossing the finish line. The hare began to go at his maximum speed but it was a wasted effort. The tortoise won the race!

The tortoise did what we all must do-keep the focus on the finish line to maintain a consistent, steady pace to win the race. Your race is whatever goal you choose for your life. As one of my favorite people often says, “life is a marathon, not a sprint”! Keep your eyes on the prize today. You’re a winner!