Recently, I bought a new pair of running shoes. As I was about to throw my old pair away, I found myself running on a treadmill of emotions. What l wore with so much pride and joy in the yesteryears now look battered and broken. I felt my old shoes deserved a better closure, and suddenly, thoughts that relate life to them came to my mind.
I would like to share them here:
1. SHOES GET WORN OUT OVER TIME, JUST LIKE IDEAS
Old ideas or old ways of doing things had served me well before. However, with the passing of time, ideas evolve, rendering the old obsolete. It can be difficult to part with something that may not work or serve a current purpose. But we might also end up denying ourselves the chance to reach out to new things that can complement us better.
Replacing old ideas with new ones promotes better effectiveness.
2. THE RIGHT SHOES FOR THE RIGHT PURPOSE
While Spike shoes are perfect for track running and track races, they are terrible on the road. As such, it is important to look for the right pair of running shoes to serve the purpose of the activity. And sometimes, it may not be that nicest looking one on the shelf.
Therefore it is critical that in everything we do, identifying what is right precedes what looks right.
3. NO ONE TYPE OF SHOES CAN FIT ALL
Different people have differing feet profiles. Some have high arches, while others are low arches, and some are flat footed. When buying shoes, I make sure the shoes fit my feet well, so I can run comfortably and perform to my best potential.
Likewise, everyone has different strengths and talents. By putting people at the right places, I can harness their qualities and realise their potential. Collectively, it brings my team to a whole new level.
Fit the person into the right job, NOT fit the job to the person.
4. IT’S NOT THE SHOE BUT THE RUNNER THAT REALLY MATTERS
In my line of work, there will be instances where property agents use the same presentation kit. While some can use it to effectively close a deal, why are there others who cannot even get their clients to take any action?
Just like a runner. Give a good runner a “poor” pair of shoes, he can still do reasonably well. Give a poor runner a good pair of shoes, he will still not be able to perform. Of course, the best scenario is to pair the runner with the best pair of shoes.
Training yourself well at work and getting that best toolkit are keys to success.
5. YOU DON’T THINK IT’S IMPORTANT UNTIL YOU LOSE THEM
I recalled an incident when one of my agents told me that someone had worn his shoes by mistake after a house viewing. He ended up that day with nothing on his feet. Sometimes, things that we took for granted can suddenly become so important when we lose them.
Something similar happened to me as well in my college days. I lost a pair of racing spikes because I did not exercise due care to safekeep them, and they got stolen. Just like my fellow agent, what I did not pay heed to suddenly became so important. How would I be able to go for my next race without them?
Furthermore, think of a pair of shoes like a partnership or a marriage. It takes 2 to run. Imagine losing one shoe instead of a pair. What can I do with one side of the shoes? With one side gone, the other side becomes useless. Therefore, it is important to recognize and acknowledge your partner’s contributions to your success. Do not wait until you lose one side of it.
In fact, there are many things in life that I may have taken for granted, like health, family, and friends. Better treasure them before I lose them.
6. DON’T SAVE FOR GOOD DAYS, JUST USE IT
I used to own a pair of beautiful leather shoes, and they were costly. I liked the shoes so much that I couldn’t bear to wear them. I decided that I should reserve that pair of shoes for a special occasion.
That special day finally came, and I got to put them on! But to my horror, after taking a few steps, the soles came off! I guessed it was due to storage over a long period of time, and by not wearing them, the rubber in the soles had hardened. I regretted not getting the most value out of those shoes. I did not use them to the utmost to make the best out of them. I could have worn them more.
I have learned from this experience that I should never save something that I like for that special occasion. As long as it brings me joy to use it, just use it. Not just shoes. Everything.
So much for my old pair of shoes, it’s time to bid them a fond farewell. I am thankful that they have served me well in the past. I now look forward to forge new moments and adventures with my new pair of shoes for many months to come.