Going Beyond Competition

In a world fueled by comparison and competition, it’s not uncommon to find individuals fixated on outdoing their peers, surpassing benchmarks set by others, and constantly striving to be at the top of their game. Recently, during a conversation with a salesperson, I was confronted with the stark reality of this mentality.

This salesperson, visibly frustrated by lower results compared to their colleagues, sought feedback and advice on how to outshine their competition. However, my response perhaps caught them off guard—I had no advice on how to be better than others. Instead, I posed a question that seemed to challenge the very essence of their approach: What if you focus on being better than yesterday’s yourself?

Admittedly, my suggestion was met with skepticism, even disdain (He even rolled his eyes:)). It’s a sentiment echoed by many who view self-improvement as a cliché, overshadowed by the allure of triumphing over external rivals. Yet, therein lies a fundamental shift in perspective—one that transcends the confines of competition and redirects our gaze inward.

As our conversation unfolded, we delved into the realm of control, distinguishing between the variables within our grasp and those beyond it. The actions and achievements of competitors, I argued, reside outside our sphere of influence. They are ever-changing and unpredictable, rendering them unreliable yardsticks for our personal growth.

Moreover, I emphasized the distinction between outer competition and inner progression. While the former entices us with the promise of validation and superiority, the latter offers a deeper, more profound journey—a journey of self-discovery and continuous refinement.

In the end, the salesperson arrived at a resolution—one that balanced ambition with introspection. They committed to honing their skills day by day, focusing on specific actions aimed at self-improvement. Yet, they also acknowledged the value of awareness, keeping an eye on the strategies employed by their peers.

As I reflect on our discussion, I can’t help but wonder about the outcome. Will this newfound approach yield the desired results? Or will the allure of external competition once again overshadow the path of personal growth?

In a society that glorifies winning at all costs, perhaps it’s time to challenge the status quo. Perhaps true success lies not in surpassing others, but in surpassing ourselves—day by day, moment by moment. After all, the most fulfilling victories are those won not against others, but against the limitations we impose on ourselves.