Hima Das, the current 400 m race Asian Games champion, in an interview said that “I am not running after gold medals, I am running after time. And once I get that, gold medals will run after me”. There are so many important lessons which can be drawn by everyone from this simple looking statement. Some of the lessons I have drawn are given in succeeding paras. 

Time matters…. 

Time is an important factor, not just in a race but in life as such. If you have time in your control and use it well, as per your set priority, then no one/ nothing can stop you from achieving your aim. Most of us falter in the utilisation of time and fail to reach our goals. Time is the only constant in our lives, all of us get the same 24 hours in a day to pursue our goals, some stay focused and follow a strict regimen till they reach the desired end state, whereas most lose the track midway and give up. Whatever be your chosen field of work in life, time will remain important factor on utilisation of which will depend your success. 

Outperform the competition…. 

Hima very rightly says, she is not running after medals, rankings. Most of us go wrong in this and aim to get the first rank in the bargain missing out on doing better. A 12 second, 100 m race finish may assure an athlete a God medal within the state or the country but will certainly be of no good in an international arena whereas an under 9 second finish will keep you in competition anywhere. Same holds true for students, marketeers, manufacturers whomsoever you can think of. As a student if you only think of getting the first rank in the class, chances of your constantly getting 100 % marks in all subjects are less, whereas a student who constantly gets 100 % marks will always be ranked first. The aim should be to outperform the competition, irrespective of the stage. The aim of the doctor should be to permanently cure the problem not just provide temporary relief from the symptoms. 

Clarity of Aim…. 

Her aim is very clear, to clock the best time in the world in her race as long as she continues to do that she will be the best and medals will keep coming her way. Most of us go wrong in selection of our aim. As long as a student continue to get 100 % marks his/ her first position will not be under threat. I know its not easy to score 100 % marks every time that too in every subject but a setting a high benchmark will certainly help to stay above the competition. Set a clear aim in life; you want to be first or you want to get the best result? 

Comfort Zone…. 

If you have set your aim as ‘Running after the time’, that is making the best use of time than you will never allow yourself to stay in a comfort zone. You will have to continuously outperform yourself to be in the ‘Run’. You have to repeatedly outdo your best. You cannot allow yourself to bask in the glory of the past.

“Your best may not be always good enough to beat the Rest….aim to beat the competition irrespective of the stage”