Once born, we all start the journey of life with a lot of companions. Most of the fellow passengers on this journey are more competitors than companions. We should stay focused to achieve success and gather the gifts on the road ahead of others. Those of us who get distracted will gather leftovers of the people ahead of us. Following are the distractions (arranged in their order of ill effects) that we will encounter on our journey through life.

1) Shortcuts through the bushes.
Even though these take us to our destination, the experience is not the same compared to those who traveled the route defined by the wise men. Those who traveled the shortcut can not stand the face to face competition with those who traveled the course.

2) Rest areas with food and drinks.
These are available along the way. There is a right way to use them and there are many ways to abuse them as well. Right way is to replenish and rejuvenate to stay ahead of the crowed. Be mindful that other are passing you by while your taking a unreasonable rest.

3) People and Attractions come your way.
Be vigilant to evaluate people you meet and each of the attraction that comes your way. Do not make friends with people of ill repute, they will not only slow you on your journey but may also convince you that your journey is not worth the cause. For want of time, you do not have to make your own judgment on each person you meet. So follow the accepted notions. If someone is a prostitute that does not mean she is a bad person. But we do not need to associate with her. If some is a drug user, we do not want to associate with that person as well. It is not a judgment on those people; it is a statement that we do not need to test our strength of character. We do not want step on snake’s tail or poke in its mound to test our courage.

Stay true to the course, do your best and leave the result to God almighty.
Every journey is unique and special in its own way. So cheer the winners and help the less fortunate.