In a world that often encourages competition and comparisons, we all find ourselves drawn to stories of perseverance and triumph. We love to see people overcome obstacles, push through struggles, and succeed. But when we compete against others, seeking personal or professional victory, the path often grows lonelier. Striving to beat someone else can create a dynamic where others may hesitate to support us, seeing us as rivals. However, when we focus on outdoing our own past selves, everyone around us is more inclined to support us in achieving that victory.
Imagine a different approach to each day: showing up and aiming to be better than we were yesterday, consciously stepping away from the comparison game. What if our only competitor was our former self? This shift in mindset transforms how we experience success. No longer chasing external validation or a title, we begin a more fulfilling journey of growth. Competing for the trophies of life—whether a new job, a championship title, or a promotion—becomes secondary to our own “why.”
When we understand our “why” and align it with a meaningful purpose, the pressure to measure up against others fades. For those of us who hold faith as central, that “why” finds its roots in the values we hold from scripture, seeking to live as God would want us to live. Instead of getting consumed by external pressures or constantly comparing ourselves to others, we focus on achieving personal growth that reflects our spiritual values. What does God say about competing with integrity? How does scripture guide our ambition? This alignment of purpose can redefine our view of success.
Successful teams are often those that stay focused on their own growth and unity. Rather than peering across the aisle to see what others are doing, they concentrate on improving together, day by day. When someone asks what makes them successful, they answer, “We’re better today than we were six months ago, and we’ll be better next year.” Such a team builds its success on internal growth and shared values rather than external comparisons.
This mindset of self-competition and purpose-driven success attracts the right supporters and teammates. Those who align with our “why” become our most loyal teammates, collaborators, and customers. Instead of seeking to outdo everyone around us, we focus on creating genuine progress in line with our beliefs and values. This approach to success isn’t fleeting; it’s rooted in faith and growth, ensuring that each step forward is purposeful, fulfilling, and deeply rewarding.