Race A Ghost

I’ve been spending some of my slow time right now playing some Wii. Yeah, I’m a slacker. : )

Yesterday, I played the Mario Kart Time Trials mode several times, racing ghosts. If you’re not a regular Wii user (I wasn’t until recently), the ghost mode allows you to race your fastest time, a semi transparent version of you driving that same course. At first it is really easy to beat the ghost, as you become a bit more familiar with the course and can shave a few seconds here or there.

Then it gets difficult.

You’ve set a bar, and the ghost can be just out of reach.

I’m there right now with one course. I know I can still beat that ghost, I just have to get a little bit better.

So I’m playing this video game, trying to improve my personal best, and it got me thinking about regular life.

When was the last time I really tried to beat that ghost in some aspect of my personal or professional life? When was the last time, I spent hours doing that?

I was able to think of a few areas where I had done this, but also realized where there are other areas where I slacked.

So here’s my thought. In these last few days of 2011, take a few moments to highlight some of the “ghosts” you’d like to race in 2012.

It could be volunteering time.
It could be saving money.
It could be sending cards to friends.
It could be reading books.

It could be working out.

At this point, don’t stress out too much over the BIG resolution. Just try to beat that “ghost.” Be better than what you’ve done in the past. It’ll be tough, but the pursuit of it can often be where the fun lies.

And that’s a step in the right direction.