Who's Your Competition?

Whether we like it or not, we’re part of an extremely competitive world. As a matter of fact, our society thrives on competition. We’re bombarded with it in every aspect of our lives—TV programs, commercials, sports, cooking, dating, business, music, science, social media, and on and on. Everybody is competing against everyone else. Why is competition so important to us? What’s to be gained?

You’ve probably heard the saying, “to the victor goes the spoils”. Today, the “spoils” include fame, riches, recognition, status, power, and influence. Everyone wants to be recognized as “the best” at whatever it is they are competing for. They want to stand out and be known for their achievements. Honestly, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with striving for excellence and being recognized. Unfortunately, sometimes we go a little too far to gain the title.

Whoever says that “any publicity is good publicity” certainly couldn’t believe that integrity, values, or having a good reputation are important. We’ve seen too many broken marriages, acts of terror, ruined relationships, the loss of integrity, and fallen athletic, religious, and political heroes that resulted from the quest for being the best. The news is overflowing with stories of those who used unscrupulous tactics to win a coveted title.

Here is a question we must all consider today. Is winning at any cost still considered a “win”?

Many of us are wise enough to know that the rewards of winning are temporary. There will always be someone who will come along and break your record, come up with better theories, develop a better product, or win more awards. That’s the cycle of life and is to be expected. Those who get their “15 minutes of fame”, though, have found this one thing to be true. Fame is fleeting, and public acclaim is fickle.

Do you want to achieve something that will last? Something utterly unique and priceless? Something that cannot be surpassed by anyone else? Something that will yield a lasting reward? Compete against yourself. Become the best possible “you” that you can be—whether that happens in the workplace, in your home, or on the various platforms of life. Compete—not to be noticed, but to manifest the greatness that lies within. Focus on communicating better, being more compassionate, and take the steps to work through those emotional roadblocks that have kept you from growing into the extraordinary person you were created to be.

Competing for wealth and fame has its place, but what really matters at the end of the day is how you showed up in the world. When you compete against yourself, all of society benefits. When you add your excellent self to the excellence of others, we are all blessed with the very best life has to offer. Healthy competition generates a sense unity and celebration. Compete against yourself and celebrate achieving your full potential. I love the phrase, “live big, die empty”! Now that’s competition!