Asking the Wrong Question

No matter where or what you read, the newspaper, Facebook, or your alumni news, you are almost certain to find that somebody you know has gone further, achieved more, gone faster toward their dream than you have. The first thought that too often occurs is, “he or she will succeed instead of me.”
Why not take the high road and tell ourselves “that proves that it CAN be done.” When we take that low road of negative thinking we confirm what many people think; competition is just another spiritual drug. If you focus on competition this way it becomes poisonous. We impede our own path to success and achievement as we ogle at the accomplishments of others as we take our eye off the prize we seek. We ask the wrong questions that give use answers we don’t want or really don’t need. Instead of asking yourself, why bother? Or what’s the use? Or why even try? You might want to consider another view such as: did I make progress on my goals today? Did I meet my deadline with room to spare? Did I talk to people who will help me grow today? Did I spend time with family? Instead of drinking the “cool aide of negativity,” pour a glass of the “nectar of the admonition of success.” Too many of us read too many journals or websites that expose our envy and all that does is encourage us to wallow in self doubt or even pity, which along with envy is not at all healthy. Use competition to jettison you and your goals in a positive and healthy way. Compete with yourself, not the world, focus on what you can do and not what others are doing. Spend your precious energy in positive fulfilling ways, not in self destructive extrinsic reality. Find your own voice, listen to it, and define your success and future on your terms, not terms of someone else’s reality.