Success Advice
Here’s Why You Should Compete Against Yourself and How to Do It in a Non-Destructive Way

Is it good to be competitive? Some say yes, others say no. Why? Well, that’s because being competitive has both benefits and drawbacks. On one hand, competitive people are ambitious and confident. They also don’t give up easily and are ready to do anything to fulfill their deepest desires. We envy them, because eventually, they reach success. However, being competitive has its disadvantages too.Competitive people are often self-absorbed, conceited, and fussy. Moreover, because their desire to win is fueled by fear of defeat, they live in constant stress. No wonder we don’t want to be competitive. But, what if you could be competitive in a healthy way?
You Compete Against The Wrong Person
Let me make something clear: it’s good to be competitive. If you’re not a naturally competitive person, it’s worth it to teach yourself competitiveness, it’ll help you reach your goals. But, in order to be competitive in a healthy way, you need to stop competing against others. Why? Because it brings neither happiness nor success you could be proud of.
Let’s take a look at three reasons why you shouldn’t compete against others:
1. There will always be someone better than you
You can never be the world’s best person in any area of life. Of course, you can triumph for a while, but eventually, someone will beat you. When they do, you’ll either end up sacrificing everything to prove again that you’re the best, or convince yourself you’re a failure and fall into depression. Either way, you’ll be unhappy.
2. Winning doesn’t lead to self-improvement
When you compete against others, you judge yourself against another person’s values. Thus, when you win, you do something that’s important to them, not to you. So, winning is meaningless. But, of course, you’re the winner. Congratulations! Does that make you feel any better? I guess not.
3. You adopt the tendency to compare yourself to others
By constantly competing against others, you teach yourself to always compare yourself to others, especially those who are better than you. So, you feel you’re never good enough, which steals all the joy from your life. Also, by comparing yourself to others, you never appreciate what you have. Instead, you focus on what you lack. Here’s the problem: you’ll never have everything and if you do, it will make you miserable. After all, it’s not achieving your goals that makes you happy, but the process of trying to achieve them. Think about it.
“The biggest competition is myself. I am not looking to follow others or pull them down. I’m planning to test my own boundaries.” – Rain
Now that you know why competing against others can be self-destructive, let’s discuss who you should actually compete against to be happy and successful.
The Key To Success Lies In Competing Against Yourself
People who compete against themselves are more successful than those who compete against others, because they understand that winning is more than a competition. Being a winner doesn’t mean crossing the finish line first, but giving everything you’ve got to reach your goal. Otherwise, the competition itself is meaningless. Thus, you can be triumphant without the necessity to win. It’s the process that’s important and what you prove to yourself, and not to others.
Another reason why you should compete against yourself is that you redefine what success means: it becomes a sign of mastering a new skill and improving yourself. It’s fulfilling, so there’s no reason to boast about it. Moreover, when you reach success, you don’t rest on laurels. Beating others doesn’t matter any longer. You find satisfaction in pursuing self-development, so you start challenging yourself in new ways.
As far as losing is concerned, you will lose sometimes, however, you won’t blame others for your failure. Instead, you’ll take the full responsibility for your actions. Failure won’t be a reason to be depressed or angry, but a reason to learn on your mistakes and promise yourself that you’ll do better next time.
Remember, once you start competing against yourself, your life will change.
How To Compete Against Yourself: A Short Guide To Success
Here are three useful tips that will help you become a competitive person in a healthy way:
1. Set rational and attainable goals
One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to achieve a goal is that they set standards that are too high. For example, when deciding to learn a new language, they set a goal to become a fluent speaker within one year because their friend learned a foreign language that fast. Setting such irrational goals leads to higher anxiety level and results in failure. So, don’t look at others! Think about your own abilities and set proper goals.
2. Surround yourself with positive role models
Most people dream of being an expert in something and in order to improve their skills, they find role models who’d motivate them. For example, you can look up to Bill Gates when trying to turn your hobby into a business, or Stephen King, when trying to write a bestseller. Is it bad? No, it isn’t as long as those role models influence you in a positive way. However, if they make you feel like a failure, it’s time to ditch them. Remember, role models should help you achieve success, not hinder it by making you feel depressed.
“I enjoy competition. I enjoy challenges. If a challenge is in front of me and it appeals to me, I will go ahead and conquer it.” – Conor McGregor
3. Reward yourself for doing a good job
There’s no better way to motivate yourself than the knowledge that a reward waits for you on the finish line. Thus, every time you reach your goal, celebrate it. A small gift is enough to boost your mood and make you feel satisfied. Remember, a good reward system can do miracles!
Are you going to keep on competing against others or start competing against yourself? Tell us about it in the comments below!
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These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident
Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.

Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.
But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.
Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.
1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task
Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.
After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.
Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.
But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.
2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First
Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.
Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”
For example, if you’re a writer:
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Research your topic at night.
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Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).
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Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.
You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.
3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace
Focus is the foundation of success.
According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.
Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.
Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.
4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life
Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”
This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.
If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.
5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills
Knowledge compounds over time.
Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.
I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.
Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.
6. Develop a Growth Mindset
Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.
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A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.
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A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.
Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.
7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You
I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.
If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.
Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.
Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.
8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions
Good mentors can fast-track your growth.
While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.
If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.
9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations
Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”
Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.
When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.
10. Focus on Your Strengths
Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.
If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.
A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.
Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.
11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs
Your beliefs shape your reality.
For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.
Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.
Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.
Final Thoughts
Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.
You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.
Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.
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