Let’s run our own race

Over the past couple of weeks I have been watching political events unfold and it has led me to reflect that our political system is perhaps just a wee bit broken. It just seems so competitive and combative, and at odds to what we would teach our children.

For example, the values we teach our kids when it comes to sport is to have fun, and that it is about the process, rather than 'winning at all costs'. I'm not saying that competition is not a good thing, it is. However when we, and our kids, become overly invested in the outcome it can lead to anger, aggression and disappointment, and that's not fun or being a 'good sport'!

However when it comes to our political system it looks overly focused on winning at all costs and with this, some pretty bad decisions and behaviour. From political campaigns that smear opponents; to preferring 'spin' to good decisions or owning bad ones; shouting down opponents in parliament; and for some MPs, that you have to hate your opponents and their views.

I think this is why many Australians have been so taken with the New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern. Here is someone leading in a way that is less combative; that consults and listens; admits that they get things wrong; and shows genuine empathy.

So what does all this have to do with self care?

In our lives, there are negative impacts when we are too absorbed in winning. We make bad decisions, are less happy, and think too much about our opponents rather than our own progress.

So if we want to be happier as individuals we should stop thinking about the competition and winning (and comparing, FOMO anyone??), and focus on what's best for us.

Let’s run our own race.