Has anyone ever felt like they are in a race that they can never win? That no matter what you do, or say, you will never be good enough to finish first?

How does one get past this feeling? Do you try and talk about it? Do you try and find a way to win the race? Or do you just say 'the hell with it' and let everyone get ahead of you?

MoniGram said:

you just keep going ... you will win in the end. cuz there ain't nobody stronger or smarter ... just beat the odds

One4All4Ever said:

But how can you beat the odds, when there is better out there holding you back??

MoniGram said:

you believe there is better ?
then you just lost the race ...

OMG! My favourite song at the moment is about this very subject. I posted about it in "Music: Non Prince" tonight - http://prince.org/msg/8/245421

I think the important thing is to run your own race only. In that one you will always finish first.

It's easier said than done though, I know.

MoniGram said:

yep...all the time....

One4All4Ever said:

I am not sure if there is better, I am just starting to feel I can't win!

Justin1972UK said:

OMG Justin..that song sooo fits my mood right now!

MoniGram said:

Moni
believe in urself
there is no better out there
you will win

retina said:

What if you have been running your own race...then all of a sudden something or someone tosses in a few things that change your own race into something else?

MoniGram said:

Like what?

One4All4Ever said:

I just don't know how to do that right now! I am just so tired!

babooshleeky said:

How do you deal with it Chrissy?

retina said:

Like people, comments, actions

MoniGram said:

focus on your goal
don't bother about others
what do you believe qualifies the other as winners ?
I know there's a lot in you that would qualify you and put the others back
some meters...

MoniGram said:

It's fitted my mood for the last month.

I know exactly where you're coming from.

I find it odd that people are quite quick to decry materialism, but don't find it as bad to be overtly aspirational emotionally. Buying a self-help book is just as bad to me as having to have the latest iPod or plasma screen tv.

P.S. 'Pop Life' fits much the same mood with it's "Everybody can't be on top" lyric.

One4All4Ever said:

I don't know about that...I feel like this race is becoming an up hill battle! Is the race even worth winning, or hell even finishing?

MoniGram said:

For sure, but in some cases I have decided that I just can't win everything - like make everyone happy. I don't see it as "oh the hell with it", I see it as realizing that trying to win some races is more detrimental than beneficial.

JustErin said:

So maybe I should just focus on the ones I can win?

MoniGram said:

I just focus on the ones I already have won.

MoniGram said:

Well as I see it, the race metaphor just represents what you're comparing your achievements with. Is it other people's achievements or just your own goals for yourself? There's really no point in comparing them with the former because all we can expect of ourselves or anybody else is that each person makes the most of their own starting point, skills etc. A little guy who wrestles a regular guy to the ground is more impressive than a big guy who wrestles another big guy to the ground, you know what I mean?

Justin1972UK said:

'

I can see that!

Justin1972UK said:

What if you haven't won any?

retina said:

I do understand what you are saying...but what if the race is more personal then achievement wise?

MoniGram said:

No, you should just do what you can do, do all that you can do and be happy with the results.

MoniGram said:

Realize the race itself is crap. There is no such thing as someone getting ahead of you.

MoniGram said:

What if you haven't won any?[/quote]

I'm a great believer in the old adage that "the journey is the destination". If you know what I mean.

MoniGram said:

Then you should have picked another metaphor.

If you feel more comfortable asking about these things in org notes, then go ahead. I won't reveal any personal details you might share.

retina said:

Oh. I post allsorts here when I feel low.