Will you win the race?

Life often feels like it’s about competition. But is it?

As we grow up, we are taught that we must win at all costs. Sports, schooling, and even friendships can be seen as a race to see who will win.

And it continues when we are adults.

My wife and I are having an informal competition going on right now. She started reading a book from the library back in early March. After seeing that she enjoyed the book, and finding a copy at a thrift shop, she invited me to read it as well.

Now, I read fast and enjoy reading. For her, it’s a struggle. So, I challenged her to beat me through the book. She is currently two-thirds of the way through, while I am only one-third after only a few days. It’s all fun, and it truly does not matter who wins. We both do by continuing to expand our knowledge.

Competition can drive you forward. But it can also hold you back.

When we compete with others in a race to build our homestead, or increase our preparedness, it’s a losing race.

We all have unique needs. Your family is not the same as mine. So, racing to gather the supplies, learn skills, and “succeed” at homesteading is a no-win race.

Plus, if you compare yourself in a race to someone who is at a different point in their journey, it tends to be less motivational and more depressing. When you can’t get to the same spot fast enough, you are more likely to give up.

Homesteading & preparedness are a journey.

Instead of racing each other and drooling over what someone else has, let’s look up to each other. Gain motivation at what is possible rather than what you don’t have right now.

Race to your own success, not someone else’s.