Fierce competitors are known for their winning ways.
Competitors like Lance Armstrong, Joe Montana, Pete Sampras, and Mia Hamm stirred winning feelings within us as we watched them dominate their sports.
But who did they compete with that made them so successful?
Was it competing with their opponents or themselves that drove them to the pinnacle of their sports?
John Wooden, arguably the greatest college basketball coach, gave us the answer as he described his UCLA team's ability to win 10 National Championships .
"We don't worry about the competition; we worry about ourselves. We
don't go out to try to beat somebody; we go out to play the best we can"
Sure great competitors are driven to beat other individuals and teams, but great competitors are more driven to beat their personal bests.
Same goes for finances. Don't compete with your in-laws or neighbors for the best gadgets, biggest home, or most spoiled children. Rather focus on being better with your money today than you were last week. Strive to get a better deal on your next big or little purchase than last year. Seek to save more this year than ever before. Invest more in your future than you think is possible.
It's easy to compete and win against others in a down market or if we compare ourselves with financial failures, but competing against self is the only constant and rewarding challenge.
(Photo courtesy Wikipedia)
Comments