In life, there always seems to be competition. It starts with each of us at a very young age (often between siblings or classmates) and tends to progress through our lives well into adulthood. While the type of competition changes between childhood and adulthood, it is important to understand how competition affects us and drives us.
In a recent guest post on Michael Hyatt’s blog, author Lysa TerKeurst discusses this issue in an article titled, “Their Success Doesn’t Threaten Ours: Why Competition Isn’t Always Good.” She makes the point that while competition can be good and challenging in certain situations, when applied to our work, the effects can be damaging if not managed well. You can experience resentment and bitterness, and your own self-image and confidence can fall.
“If I look at my dreams, desires, and hopes for the future as coming from a place of limited supply, it will constantly feed the notion that someone else’s success is a threat to mine.”
– Lysa TerKeurst
This statement shows the negative impact competition can have. TerKeurst takes some time discussing her first attempts at writing book proposals and the negative letters she received afterward. She is open about the resentment she occasionally felt towards other friends and authors who received positive notes and book deals. It was easy to see their success as limiting her own.
You absolutely can’t think this way if you want to truly experience success. TerKeurst recommends a better way to deal with competition: Instead of feeding the negative comparisons, wish the best for others.
“We ask God to bless others. We look for ways to help others succeed. We come alongside our fellow dream chasers and assure them this world needs more of what they uniquely have to offer.”
– Lysa TerKeurst
Don’t be inclined to view the successes of others as a signal of your own failure. Enjoy the successes of others as you passionately pursue your own. I am not saying it is an easy thing to do, but the results of actively embracing the successes of others will leave a lasting impact in your own life.
I highly recommend subscribing to Michael Hyatt’s blog—his own articles and those he features from other authors are excellent. If you are truly a person desiring greater success, it is essential to learn from others, particularly those who have met and overcome challenges. Embrace their successes, and continue passionately pursuing your own!
