Have you ever felt the need to stop what you are doing and perhaps pursue what another person is doing? I have found that it is the case for some people.
One of the distractions one can face in life is looking at other people—comparing oneself, especially when the goal or end is different.
It usually makes evident a significant difference in approach, results, accomplishment, energy dissipated, time invested in planning, resources dispensed, among other things.
You probably have heard a comment like Mr A has completed his course or project, but you have not. They often go ahead to remind you that you started the same year. It is one among many similar comments that many would have to respond to in their lifetime.
Most often than not, they never refer to the fact that they are running different courses, at universities with specialities that vary, with diverse challenges or perhaps not the same aim.
The effect of such statements is that Mr B may feel demoralised because of what Mr A has accomplished and may want to readjust to fit into the same expectation. It does not mean that Mr B cannot fulfil his goals but not necessarily in the same way or time frame as Mr A.
You might have seen residential buildings and some skyscrapers. It would interest you to know that the depth of the foundation of the former is not the same as the latter. It is possible to complete a residential home with three bedrooms from the foundation while the foundation of a tower is still in progress within the same time frame.
If what is important is what to show quickly, the residential home wins, but there is also a place for the skyscraper—the residential home cannot fulfil that. The high-rises need a deeper foundation because they would rise higher and provide much more room to perform much more functions than a residential home could ever accommodate. There could be similarities in the process, but the purpose is different. It also means so many other things will be different.
In a residential home, the reinforced concrete slabs used may only be half a foot deep, but the Shanghai Tower in China has forty times that thickness. The height of the building depends on the foundation—it limits how far it can go. The deeper base is crucial to supporting a height of about 2,073 feet. You cannot compare the two, each has its place, but you need to know what you are building.
Many people turn back so soon but never realise that the people they are trying to follow have different goals or ends. It takes more to build a tower because it is not the same as a residential home.
Are you tired and frustrated? Have you been taunted by the comments that make you feel you are wasting your time? Does your goal seem to be taking too long, and you keep wondering why?
You may be on the right track, but perhaps, you are building a tower while others are working on a residential home. You may need to gain courage by understanding what you are doing, giving it all it takes till it becomes a reality.
Your friend may have now gotten a job, but you are still trying to start your business venture. He has completed his project, but you are still planning and strategising. You do not have to quit or change your plan; you only have to maintain focus and stay on the right track.
I saw the diagrammatic representation of a man digging the ground to locate water. He could not see the water, but as an observer, the diagram clearly showed how far he had dug and water on the other side. He did a lot of digging, but he gave up when he was closest to the water. It was like one more effort was required when he turned back.
It paints a clear picture of the situation of many people living today. If only we know the significance of what we are doing, if only we can see how close we are, our attitude may change—deciding to progress on our path to bring about change.
Some people turn back so soon to follow others because they feel that if there is anything worthwhile in what they are doing, they should have seen it by now. They could be doing something significant, but it takes more than they could perceive. It may take some more time to show the results.
If only we know, if only we can see, our reaction will be different. I will encourage you to re-evaluate what you are doing to be sure of your goals. It may be different and unique compared to many others you see around you; it does not mean you should change it, instead pursue it. When you know your goal and can see it, you will gain the strength to make it happen.
You may be alone, but it does not mean you are wrong. It may only mean that you are doing something significant or different that will go farther. Learn from the eagle—they see farther and are happy to go alone. If you have found the truth, do not stop, do not turn back—keep going.
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