Winning the Race of Life: Lessons from the Go-Kart Track

Life Is Not Just About Speed, It’s About Strategy

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak at Pacesetter Homes’ semi-annual event. Afterward, they took us to Andretti Racing, where we raced adult-sized go-karts—fast, drift-ready machines that simulate real racing. As competitive as I am, I knew I was in for a wild ride.

At first, I had that “all gas, no brake” mentality—you know the type. I figured if I just floored it, I’d fly past the competition. Instead, I kept crashing into barriers. Every time I hit a wall, I lost precious time backing up and repositioning myself. I learned quickly that life isn’t about going as fast as possible. It’s about knowing when to hit the gas and when to apply the brakes.

The same applies to your career. Charging full speed ahead without strategy is a recipe for burnout. You need to slow down at the right moments to avoid costly setbacks.

Angle Beats Speed Every Time

In racing, it’s not just about how fast you go—it’s about how you approach each turn. Skilled racers know when to cut corners for a smoother path forward, minimizing the need for braking.

Similarly, in life, success isn’t just about applying for every job or chasing every opportunity. It’s about strategically positioning yourself by building the right skills, expanding your knowledge base, and preparing for the roles you want—not just the ones available.

Are you approaching life with the right angle, or are you blindly speeding toward the next “opportunity” with no preparation?

Avoid Wasting Energy

In my first few races, I zigzagged all over the track, thinking I was making progress. But just like in my first marathon, where my constant weaving added extra miles, all that unnecessary movement slowed me down.

The lesson: Being busy isn’t the same as being productive. Stop burning energy on distractions. Learn to pick your spots and execute with precision. Every move should count.

Competition Makes You Better

The finals at Andretti were intense. Competing against the best racers from the earlier heats forced everyone to level up. Everyone’s lap times improved because we were pushing each other.

Healthy competition sharpens your skills, motivates you to work harder, and raises your personal standard. Whether it’s your sales numbers, a team project, or a fitness challenge, competition pushes you to become your best.

Final Thought: Go for the Checkered Flag

Life isn’t a straight track. It’s filled with twists, turns, and moments when you need to adjust your speed. Learn when to accelerate, when to brake, and when to maneuver with precision. Compete against yourself, learn from the best, and keep striving for that checkered flag.

If you want to take your team, event, or conference to the next level, book Baylor to speak. For more mindset motivation, check out his 10-minute-a-day podcast, Shark Theory. Purchase Baylor's self-development books here. Mindset Matters: Let's make yours unstoppable.