"When I first began competing, my competition was everyone else. I compared my weaknesses to their strengths, belittling me own strengths and discounting my successes. I focused on who they were and where they were going. I wanted what they had and couldn't see past my own insecurities. One of the greatest lessons we can learn in this life is that our fiercest competition will always be with ourselves." -Noelle Pikus Pace, Olympic Skeleton Athlete
This statement in Noelle's book Focused: Keeping Your Life on Track, One Choice at a Time, is something we all struggle with. Why do we do it to ourselves? Why do we look side to side, wondering how me measure up to the person next to us. A few paragraphs later, Noelle shares this profound statement.
"Comparing myself to other athletes, even in the world of competition, never brought success to my career. It only brought discouragement, a lack of self-worth, and a constant flow of negative thoughts."
It's so true. Think about it? Does comparing yourself to anyone else ever make you feel better and make you perform better? Nope! So, LET IT GO!
It's OK to have success, and to let others have it too. When someone else shines, it doesn't dim your light!
I worked with a competitive dance team and their motto was "The only dancer you should compare yourself to is the one you used to be." What a great perspective.
When my athletes step off the track discouraged by the outcome of the race, I always ask them "Did you give everything you had to give today? Did you do YOUR very best?" If the answer is yes, hold your head high. I don't care if you came in last, as long as you gave me your very best. If you can't answer yes to that question-let's evaluate what you can do next time.
Let go of the comparing and be the best you! Let that be enough...because it is!
And...check out Noelle's book. It's a really good read.