Avoid the Trap of Competing with 99% of Others for Self-Growth
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Understanding the Misguided Pursuit of Competition
Recently, I found myself eavesdropping on a discussion among some finance enthusiasts. Their conversation revolved around their admiration for a prominent investment bank. Here’s a brief summary:
“So, what do you enjoy most about working at XYZ?”
“Well, the pay is excellent, of course.”
“Of course!”
“But what truly excites me?”
“Go on!”
“Being part of the elite and surpassing everyone else.”
This statement piqued my interest. While I grasped his sentiment, I ultimately viewed this mindset as rather unproductive.
As I browsed Medium, I encountered numerous articles on self-improvement, many of which focused on how to excel beyond the majority. A recurring theme was:
How To Really Get Ahead of the 99%
I contend that this approach is fundamentally flawed. It simply doesn’t resonate with me.
I recognize that self-improvement content aims to uplift individuals. It should offer actionable insights on personal growth. I appreciate that completely.
However, we need to stop making irrelevant comparisons. When assessing others, particularly those I don’t know well, I lack crucial context: their backgrounds, starting points, aspirations, motivations, and upbringing.
In essence, you’re measuring yourself against individuals whose stories you barely know, akin to comparing apples to oranges.
The Importance of Personal Benchmarks
Comparison necessitates a relevant standard. Your focus should be on your personal journey and progress. The most relevant benchmark? Yourself!
You should assess your development today against your performance yesterday. Anything else is counterproductive.
Maintaining a Competitive Spirit
Some might roll their eyes, thinking, “This person doesn’t understand healthy competition.”
I do! As someone who thrives on competition—especially in sports—I believe that a bit of healthy rivalry can be beneficial. However, in the grand scheme of your life, the focus should remain inward rather than outward.
Constantly comparing yourself to others can lead to unhappiness, as there will always be someone who excels beyond you. Furthermore, it’s challenging to measure yourself against others due to our unique differences. Ultimately, it detracts from the very essence of being present with yourself—both mentally and physically.
When you enter a space, there’s no need to scan the room, compare, or determine your standing. Your primary concern should be your own growth. If you can see improvements in yourself over time, you’re undoubtedly on the right track!
Chapter 2: The Real Path to Self-Enhancement
In this insightful video titled "How to get ahead of 99% of people," the speaker discusses practical strategies for personal growth and self-improvement, emphasizing the importance of focusing on one’s own journey rather than competing with others.
The second video, "It's actually pretty easy to get ahead of 99% of people," simplifies the process of self-improvement by highlighting achievable steps that can lead to significant personal growth without the need for comparison.