Early one morning this scene caught my attention, partly because I could hear the tractor moving things into place. It was race day. The coolness made one feel alive. The crystal-clear air, the clarity of the colours, the glistening green grass shimmering with dew.
 
Whilst not a horse racing fanatic, it was good to see the impact the work of many had created. Ready for when the visitors would arrive later in the day, to watch the horses race, trying their chance with a bet or two. Hopefully, only betting enough to have some excitement for the race; not enough to cause any anguish when the bookmakers won.
 
As I pondered the scene, one can see four fences stretching into the distance, with more fences elsewhere on the course. This is the home straight to the winning post, if the jockey is skilful, the horse fit, enough luck has been granted to the racing duo – else it merely becomes the finishing post. Quite a difference.
 
If a horse with jockey does not jump the fence they will be disqualified, yet it is clear that there is a much easier route around the fence. I am sure, if the horse was left to choose, it would run around the outside of the fence, avoiding the obstacle.
 
For many, the easy route is the one of choice. When one does make the decision to take the more difficult route it can better prepare us for the race ahead. The training before the event proving useful in developing our capabilities, our skills, our endurance. Yet how often does one take the easy route, only doing the minimum compulsory training?
 
I was mulling this thought over as I carried on my way. It was a thought that made me decidedly uncomfortable - it is in the difficulties that we learn so much. It is pre-event training and development that makes the event easier. It is discovering how to deal with obstacles that develops our resourcefulness, our skills, our strength, our stamina…and more. Especially our own self-respect.
 
When we take the easy route life can become, dare I say, too easy. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not advocating that one always makes life difficult for oneself. What I am suggesting is making an informed decision when the more challenging route will develop us; when the quicker, easier route is of advantage, or, in the case of the race will disqualify us. The easy route eventually making us weak.
 
How often do we take the car when a walk would have done us good? When an email would have been better than a text? When a phone call would have been better than an email? When a letter or a greetings card would have been appreciated more than the call, the email, the text?
 
Stepping this up a level – when did you last find time to focus on your own development? To prepare yourself for higher challenges? To invest in your future?
 
Having asked these questions of many people I frequently find the answer to be an uncomfortable “not recently”.
 
Often people who have their own Insights Discovery Profile, indicating an interest in development, have not set aside even a small amount of time to review and use this valuable resource.
 
Time that will help their own development and the team they work with. Time developing the organisation that brings their very livelihood by making it stronger. This development creating the probability that it will strength the organisation and be able to continue to employ them?
 
All too frequently an ‘obstacle’ is in the way, so the ‘easy route’ is taken…again.
 
One thing is certain - the trainers, horses and jockeys do invest substantial time and effort preparing for their day at the races. They know short cuts, the easy route, do not pay off.
 
It is their job, their vocation - they are at the races to give their best performance.
 
How about you?
 
My best wishes,
 
Peter