Competition simply refers to striving to gain or win something by defeating, or establishing superiority over another.
It’s common place for individuals and organisations to always look outside themselves, to assess what others are doing, and how well they stand against others.
There is nothing really wrong with this.
But there is need to stretch this a little bit further, to establish whether our bench marks are same with that of others we are using as standard, to ascertain if we are on course or not.
-It’s useful for us to spend time to understand who we truly are, our strengths, our weaknesses, how to overcome certain negative tendencies, how to take responsibility for our decisions, and so on.
Time spent doing these is investment in the right direction.
-Please note, the very first person we need to demonstrate superiority over is self, not other people.
We have to be able to focus our energy on what we desire to accomplish (for ourselves and others), in respect of who and what we want to become, and pay less attention on whatever we think others have ‘achieved’.
Yes! Appreciate others successes, but before you make comparisons, refer to your own blueprint.
Moreover, things we see or perceive may not be the way they seem. For instance, a person may have accumulated lots of cash and other assets, but it does not necessarily add up that s/he is satisfied with other areas of life.
*However, it’s quite soothing to know that, we can successfully create the changes we desire, in all spheres of life, if we make that choice.
We are wired from the onset to excel in all dimensions, not just in one major area. Do you know why? (Anyway, question for another day)
I guess we are all familiar with these sayings – ‘life is for the living’ and ‘what is worth doing is worth doing well’.
We all say these things. Think about these statements again! What meanings do you get?
‘Life’ or ‘living’ therefore, would be considered to be much more than being alive on planet earth (though having the breathe of life gives us the privilege to make things excellent while we have the chance).
It would mean more about going after our purpose in life, and our dreams, making them come true…
… and bringing more meaning to our lives and that of others.
Many have come to terms with the fact that, we have only one life to live, and that made them more proactive, rather than reactive.
So we can make the most of our gifts, creativity, experiences and opportunities, while they are still at our disposal. (Just by the way – I love the different meanings of ‘creativity’, especially qualifying created items to be either intangible or tangible).
We might wait for way too long if we keep wishing to be someone else, or waiting for life to come knock on our door (there’s very high probability of this not happening), to deliver all that we seek at our doorstep.
Instead we should deliberately pay attention, and seek out those things that are of value to us.
Our major point of reference or criteria to ascertain if we are on the right track, should be our own personal / organisational goals, aspirations, values, expectations, and so on.
‘I am my own competition, and you are your own competition’.
My evaluation should rightly be, whether I am measuring up to those standards which I set for myself.
Everything we aspire to be or do starts with our own self-awareness, which is an integral part of effective personal leadership.
We should have a clear knowledge of our personality, which includes strengths, weaknesses, thoughts, beliefs, motivations, emotions, character, values, and desires.
Self-awareness and self-management skills are key to effective self-development and attainment of other goals.
A few practice to boost Your Self-Awareness (get to know yourself better):
- Practice self-evaluation and reflection
- Practice saying ‘No’ to yourself
- Monitor your Language (what you say to self and others)
- Take full responsibility for your actions
- Ask for constructive feedback from your mentors
- Journaling
It is critical that we understand, and acquire necessary life skills, so we can fully come to terms with the fact that, our competition is actually with ourself.
What I am really suggesting to you, with utmost love, is to believe in yourself, and be determined to take actions towards the targets you set. Do not base your progress on whether you are a match with what others are attaining.
We are all unique and have diverse aspirations.
So focus more on what moves the needle in the area of your dreams.
If you would like more insight, or desire to do more in your relationships and life, please visit www.optimumlifecodes.com
Live your best life,
Much regards.