It’s a broad statement, but most days I think we all just try to wake up and do our best. 

We’re all race cars, speeding down the track, and each of us have different finish lines in mind. We’ve got different goals! That’s a beautiful thing. So whether we're young professionals, entrepreneurs, new parents, or somewhere in between, it really is a funny thing to think of the race as having an endpoint. A finish line.

But that’s the thing, the race never really finishes — it only changes. Sure, we can set goals and achieve them, but even then… The wheels. Keep. Turning. The finish line finds a new hiding spot. Life keeps going! What a wonderful truth that is. Sure, the race throws some unexpected curves your way, the scenery evolves and shifts, sometimes it slows down or speeds up, different people come and go from your pit crew, but you’re a race car; you’re meant to be out there, seeing where the race takes you.

For some of us, especially when we have clarity and self-awareness, there may be a clear change point when the race shifts — like expecting a baby, the death of a loved one, or moving to a new city. For others, like my fellow serial entrepreneurs, maybe it’s seeing one of your businesses finally hit the profitability zone, preparing it for sale, and then actually selling it. 

But even amidst these milestones, the race doesn’t end.

For some people, the idea that the race never ends can be overwhelming or even frightening. Maybe it’s not the concept itself but the way we frame it. Words have power, and sometimes it helps to switch them up—like going back and forth between calling it a “game,” a “race,” or “seasons of life.” Those words can hold deep meaning for different people based on where they’ve been and where they hope to go.

For me, ever since the metaphor dawned on me I've chosen to stick with the Race Car Formula, because I always want to be ready — not in a mindset of anxiety or overwhelm, but with the understanding that there’s power in choosing how to approach each day. There’s peace in accepting that we’re made up of so many different contributing factors. (If you’re new to the Race Car Formula, I’ve shared a series of blogs here that talk further about these factors.) 

Failure, in whatever shape it comes into our lives, into our races, doesn’t mean the whole race car is worthless, it just means it needs some adjustments.

The Race Car Formula is about self-awareness — knowing what you need to function optimally. There isn’t a final destination. Even if I were retired, had sold my businesses, and found myself in a cozy cottage by the lake where life is simple and predictable, the Formula still applies. It’s about showing up each day, as ready as I can be, based on my own self-awareness — whether that’s about health, emotional well-being, my relationships, or even simply my own mental clarity. 

When all of the contributing factors in my own race car are in alignment, I have amazing days. I can be present, read a book with focus, make decisions from a good place, and choose foods that agree with my body and make me feel good. Even if you’re not in the career world or don’t have kids, there’s still a purpose to showing up each day, grounded in self-awareness, no matter what season of life you’re in.

The real point here is that, whether you're getting ready for a new phase of your race or find yourself in the midst of an unexpected curve, the key is to show up as your best self. When we don’t show up optimally, the Race Car Formula helps us avoid self-deprecation and judgment. Instead of spiraling into that negative self-talk — telling ourselves we're unqualified or procrastinators — we can use the Formula as a blueprint. 

We can ask ourselves questions like… 

“Did I get the sleep I needed?”

“Are my emotional needs being met?”

“Am I eating foods that nourish me?” 

“Am I struggling with brain fog?” 

And rather than turning against ourselves, we take a more logistical view. We bring ourselves lovingly back to the pits, examine every component, and then ask…

“Did I even give myself a fighting chance to accomplish what I set out to do?” 

When faced with moments of challenge or disappointment, it’s essential to digest those emotions but remain aware of how you tick. It’s not about not being qualified — it’s about asking… 

“Did I set myself up for success?” 

“Did I care for myself enough to be present, to build authentic relationships, to connect deeply with my children, or have meaningful conversations with my partner or friends?” 

“Did I sleep enough?” 

“Am I fueling my body properly for long workdays or for achieving my athletic goals?”

So many entrepreneurs, mothers, employees, and team members make huge strides in their daily lives because of their awareness, discipline, and commitment to non-negotiables. I hope this August 2024 blog series on the Race Car Formula has given you a new perspective on what’s required to win your race, achieve your goals, and create space in your life for honest conversations with yourself. Speak love into your own heart, and let that overflow so you can show up authentically, no matter which room you enter.

Cheering you on, friends. I love hearing from you, so always feel free to reach out on Instagram — you can find me at: @quinn.vise

Love, Quinn