One may ask a question, if the race of life can be won, all by ourselves or destiny plays a role in this. We must put in our efforts to the maximum possible extent as the saying goes - even if your efforts fail, do not fail to put in efforts. Our efforts coupled with our intuition and sixth sense will help us to a great deal in this race.



We should meticulously plan as Abraham Lincoln said - if I have eight hours to cut a tree, I will use six to sharpen my axe. It would be wise to accept gracefully the result even if things do not go as planned by us.

All said and done, we should realise the fact that there is a Supreme Power above everybody and everything else and this power is the one in charge of the universe and not you or me. Life is as a decathlon race made up of several events. We may not be able to do well in all the events but we should endeavour to participate in every event and complete the race of life. For after all, the sum total is what matters irrespective of failing in some of the events.

We should understand that each of us is endowed with some strength and limitations. In our own interest, we must try to improve on our strengths and overcome our limitations to win the race of life. In this race, we should remember the story of the tortoise and the hare, where the tortoise won the race in a slow and steady manner.

Here the technique of self-hypnotism will help. Whenever a negative thought keeps nagging you, bring in a positive thought to nullify the negative. For example, if you think you cannot do something or cannot handle a situation, keep thinking constantly that you can do what you want and go ahead and attempt it and you will be able to succeed. Whenever adversity stares at your face, stand up to it. The more the number of adversities you go through, the tougher and seasoned you become.

Let us tell you the story of a boy who ran a race.

All the children lined up with full of hope to win the race

One of the boys who was in the lead lost his step and slipped

Amid the laughter of the crowd he fell flat on his face

Some one in the crowd told him to get up and win the race

He got up and thought that he could catch up and win the race

He was so anxious that he slipped and fell again

He thought he will give up but once again a voice in the crowd said

He should get up and win the race

Again, with a lot of determination he got up to run the race

He wanted to complete the race irrespective of success or failure

All the other children finished the race

And when this boy crossed the line, the applause was such

That it looked as if he had won the race.

It is in bouncing back every time we fall or fail that matters in the race of life. You are not a failure until you fail to try.