Compete Against Yourself

While reading the book, Start with Why by Simon Sinek I came across a quote that really stuck with me: “When you compete against everyone else, no one wants to help you. But when you compete against yourself, everyone wants to help you.”

I am naturally a very competitive person, so I can relate to the thirst for first, especially early on in my career. But as I have grown, my views have changed.

I used to see the world through a zero-sum prism. In other words, the only way for me to win or move forward was for someone else to lose or move backward. Now I am more focused on making myself better tomorrow than I was today.

As a member of the CrossFit community, I am inspired by people accomplishing their goals. Sure, there are competitive events with winners and losers, but success is individually defined. I may finish in last place, but if I beat my personal best then I am happy. The opposite is also true. Coming in first place does not guarantee I did my personal best.

If you can change your mindset to bettering yourself versus focusing on others, you will help those around you more freely. You may not always have to win.

Today your best may be helping someone, tomorrow your best may be winning. This is a more positive mindset.

Until next time…we are Advoco, make every minute count.

About Colin: Colin Whitney is a Solutions Architect with Advoco and looks forward to helping others achieve their EAM goals. He is a graduate of both the University of Iowa and the University of Georgia. When he is not working he enjoys getting outside and watching college football. Questions? Send Colin an email!