Walking Path(s), Objective(s), and Progression

When we talk about objectives and progression, we can take the simple example of a Walk; Something often seen as a personal achievement for the day.

When we decide to go for a walk, there is always a Departure and an Arrival. But if we constantly focus only on the arrival, it doesn’t do much to maintain a good mood or a positive attitude; Especially if there’s still a long way to go.

A more mindful approach is to focus on the “Progress“, rather than solely on the destination.

Whether we walk alone or in a group, imagining that we are all progressing; Even on different paths, facing different mountains, islands, or deserts; Can be mentally uplifting.

We all bring different skills, perspectives, and strengths. In a group, team, workplace, or sports club, it’s both natural and essential for members to have diverse abilities.

So, are we really in competition with one another? If we reflect deeply, perhaps not.

Imagine an athletic event where participants are randomly selected from the general population. Some will be better at running, others at cycling, and so on. You’ll never find two people with exactly the same skill set. Realising this can help reduce stress, competition, and jealousy. It also encourages “Fair play” and helps us stay optimistic;

“Looking on the bright side of life.”

A team with less jealousy and unnecessary competition ultimately becomes more effective, collaborative, and harmonious.

Being overly jealous or competitive will never truly make us “Win” anything; That’s just an illusion. Likewise, we shouldn’t worry “Too much” about making mistakes. It’s impossible to live without them. In fact, we often learn more from failure than from success.

Reducing jealousy and competition within a team helps reduce stress. When we form a mental picture of ourselves and those around us, we’re better able to stay focused on our own work—without being distracted by comparison. This strengthens relationships and improves communication.

We can also come to realise that there is no “Best” or “Worst” position among people.

As in France sometimes we say:

“Il n’y a pas de sous-métier”;
“There is no undervalued job.”

Every contribution has value.

Have you ever noticed in a Walking, Running or Cycling group that no one wants to be at the back? Being last can feel like being a “Loser” or “Socially weak”. This feeling crosses gender and cultural boundaries.

But if we think about it logically, in any group, someone will always be in the last position. Does that really make someone a loser? These are just mental constructs. We can all be “Heroes” or “Losers”, “First” or “Last”; It’s simply a matter of perception. You are one day first and the other day last.

Competition can seem motivating, but it often leads to stress and disconnection.

As they say in sport:

“The most important thing is to participate.”

We all have strengths in different areas. No one is good at everything.

The real problem begins when people label others as “Losers”. Often, those doing the labelling are afraid of being labelled themselves.

By relaxing and embracing the idea that there’s no “Bad seat” or “Bad wagon,” we acknowledge that everyone has value. We all experience “Bad seats” sometimes; And that’s okay…

This mindset helps reduce jealousy, toxic competition, and the stress that comes with them. It fosters better communication and encourages creativity; Which thrives best in peaceful environments.

You can’t be truly creative in a stressful or toxic atmosphere. And stress is everywhere.

The HealthInYourPlanet Website aims to help reduce this stress. While positive stress can be motivating, our focus here is on reducing the Negative kind. Reducing stress is a win-win; It strengthens team spirit and promotes collaboration.

Sometimes, career success comes more easily from sharing a coffee with someone than from isolating ourselves and pushing too hard.

Good relationships help us perform at our best. They enable us to receive useful information and create the emotional fulfilment we need to succeed.

Maintaining Virtuous Cycles supports ongoing creativity and resilience; Even when those cycles are fragile or break down. We must be ready to rebuild them from time to time.

We often achieve things together, but each of us brings unique skills. Recognising our differences helps reduce the urge to compare. And comparison, while natural, is often unproductive.

Instead, seeing our diversity reveals our collective richness:

“We are all different, with something to bring.”

By reducing stress, we open up, we share more, and we contribute to building Virtuous Cycles.

It’s not always easy to keep this mindset, but once adopted, it becomes contagious. Helping and sharing spread naturally.

Think of it like a big wheel; Hard to turn alone, but easier with others. Helping others is often the best way to help yourself. As some cultures say:

“Help yourself, and the sky will help you.”

In Japanese, people often say “Ganbatte”; Meaning “Have courage”, in other cultures we can say also “Let’s do our best”, or simply “Take care.” Whether it’s a good day or a bad day, we are all progressing in our own way.

By focusing on our own progress and staying positive, we become more creative and effective Developing ourselves to our full potential.

When competition fades, creativity grows. We become better at our work, more consistent in our training, and more compassionate toward ourselves and others.

When we care for ourselves, we have more capacity to care for others. We can rebuild, repair, and improve what’s around us. And we must remind ourselves: we are only human; Not unbreakable.

When we create and maintain a peaceful environment, it’s best to return to the roots; To mindfulness.

Mindfulness teachers often explain that the brain likes what feels good. But over-thinking tends to feed the brain’s primitive (or “reptilian”) instincts in unhelpful ways.

Yet it’s never too late. We can always rebuild what has been broken.

As Mahatma Gandhi reminds us:

“Your beliefs become your thoughts.
Your thoughts become your words.
Your words become your actions.
Your actions become your habits.
Your habits become your values.
Your values become your destiny.”

— M.K. Gandhi