Here’s a pretentious self portrait. Does this even relate to the text at all? Do the two colours represent the division in my soul when I compete? Nah! The two colours represent ten minutes in Photoshop.

It’s fun to compete because I strive to follow my passion, continuously learn, and use my strengths to do really innovative things that destroy my competition. Hmmmm. That’s what I thought when I was a young lad. Then I realized that I could cut several words out of that idea: It’s fun to compete because I strive to follow my passion, continuously learn, and use my strengths to do really innovative things that destroy my competition. The difference is that now I don’t focus on being better than others. There is a lot of negative thought and tension in people who are competitive. They judge others and feel bad about themselves much more easily than people who aren’t competitive. I felt it. It’s not a happy place. The obsession to compete spills into personal relationships and other places that it doesn’t belong. Now that I’m not competitive, I’m far more relaxed. I feel more connected to people and what I’m doing in the moment. I just set a goal and go for it! Plus, I have more fun rooting for others to succeed.

Being competitive has its place in business and sports. But even in business and sports, it’s a small place. Passion, vision and encouragement are much more positive and powerful motivators.

That’s it. That’s my word for today. Have a fantastic week!