It's Not A Competition

A week or so ago, my daughter saw one of our friends on social media. She said, “I’m sorry to tell you this Mom, but her arms look better than yours.”

Let me pause right here. There was a time when those words would have bothered me, a lot! I would’ve gotten defensive, scrutinized pictures to see if in fact my arms were lacking in some way. I would’ve immediately made a plan to take my arm workouts to another level. Thankfully I’ve evolved and now that wasn’t my response.

I said, “You’re right! They do! Im happy she looks so good. I’m not in a competition. She inspires me to keep up my hard work. ” I meant every single word. Someone else’s success doesn’t diminish my progress.

How often do we do that though? Do we look at other’s victories and instead of being inspired, become deflated because that’s not where we are? Do we see someone else’s achievements, and rather than celebrating with them, feel jealous that that’s not what we have or where we are?

What if, we instead, used the success of others to push us to the place we want to be? My husband often says, “Success leaves breadcrumbs.” Meaning if I see some who is crushing it in areas I want to succeed in, I can follow their example. If they did it, so can I!

Life isn’t a competition. The only person you have to compete with is yourself. The next time you see someone who has what you wish you had, or is what you want to be, don’t eye them up with envy. Watch what they do, and how they do it. Implement those strategies in your own life, and watch how you begin to grow!