Are you competing in the right race? Or not in the race at all?

Until recently, I was open to the advice, "Be your own competition," until I realised that those comforting words were to the demise of my ambition. It opened up room for valid excuses that led to me being comfortable with mediocrity. Months passed by, and so did opportunities that could have taken my life on a growth trajectory. Today, I regret listen to this advice. Might that advice be unhealthy for your development too?

From a young age, I used to be in competition to be top of my class. It gave me so much pride knowing I was the best year in, year out. Academic excellence was a huge confidence booster so much so I thrived in being "1st position" in class. I remember one year, I came home with that result but my mother wasn't as pleased. I vividly remember her words 17 years ago: "If this is your best in your class, then you are in the wrong class," with a concerned tone. Although I was first place in the class, my average that year had moved to 91.5%. She believed I was performing below capacity and my class wasn't helping either. I felt a little disappointed in her that time around; even to the extent of wanting to suggest that she ought to have been grateful that she was invited for the Prize Giving Day, while other parents don't have that "privilege" (cocky I know, I would never do that today!)

However, the wheels turned in high school. Suddenly I am in the right class as my mother would say. With great marks, I found others doing much better. Suddenly, first position was a stretch for me. I believed I was incapable of attaining this position for as long I was in that class. I felt the need to be placed in a lower class. Quit fooling, under whose roof was I going to raise that motion? I remained steadfast in that class and for years never attained first position. It affected me i think. I felt inadequate that my parents weren't coming to this Prize Giving Ceremony anymore and as expected, wise mom would jockingly respond, "We had our time! Give others a chance." We laughed it off but i continued the chase for first position.

It recently dawned on me that the high school days were the most progressive years. I learnt how to stretch myself, handle pressure, experience disappointment and try again. Stretch myself, handle pressure, experience disappointment and try again. Stretch myself, handle pressure, experience disappointment and try again. It was the routine that I needed. I was so fixated to being first position that I couldn't let an opportunity to do better than the next person. Had I solely focussed on myself - I wouldn't have grown in that period, and I certainly wouldn't be where I am now.

Now, who's your competition? Is your competition like my primary school class where without effort, you are always tops? Could that class be a comfortable reason behind your lackadaisical approach to your development. I share with you my mother's words: If this is your best in your class, then you are in the wrong class," The world is a very competitive place. Everywhere you are faced with competition. It's not a race of one. Your current work position has other people gunning for it. If you are "chilled" and "taking it easy" with where you are, also take it easy when you find yourself redundant in your profession or space.

If you are in a class like my high school class, my mother is proud of you. You are the average of top performers in your circle. Keep competing with them. Keep your eyes on the first position. Have no excuse. Stretch yourself, handle pressure, experience disappointment and try again. Try again. A friend and colleague of mine, Bhekisisa Ngomane has a memorable and inspirational keynote about being your own yardstick and not needing to measure up to anyone but yourself... I respectfully have different advice for you. Find your competition. Find the right class for you. They will keep you on your toes for any opportunity to become better.

Today, I look at myself with pride sometimes, and I gladly realize that I am not first choice in my industry, but I am competing with the sharks, that's why. Day by day, I am on a rising trajectory.

Are you? Are you competing in the right race?