A Three-Point Checklist for Winning the Rat Race

"Look at that arrogant guy running with his shirt off! I am not letting him beat me!"

I focused my attention and efforts on future goals and conquests. I guess you can probably infer that I grew up as a rather competitive individual and that I am a bit cynical.

As I continued to set new records for time around the beautiful circle, I did not remain complacent. I knew that I was approaching the end of my run, satisfied that I had left many targets in the dust. I use a landmark water fountain as my finish line, and once it was in sight, I checked off the last task in my mental checklist -- looking in my rearview mirror. The worst thing that could have happened to me would have been getting blindsided and passed by the man in the orange headband or the shirtless guy. I took a brief look behind me and once I knew that my own personal victory was assured, I allowed myself to focus on completing the finish.

The Mental Checklist

My jog is a metaphor for the challenges and competitive landscape in which we work. When it comes to work or investing, to stay ahead of the pack, you must be disciplined. If you stray from this discipline, you will set yourself up for disappointments, apathy and impaired decision-making processes.