Competitors and Achievers

Casting my mind as far back as I can remember, my dad has always referred to me as “the achiever”. I never probed him for the meaning behind the moniker, and merely took it as a compliment for excelling at something worthy of his acknowledgment which ranged from delivering on tasks he set me to some of my academic prowess. Of noteworthiness in my recollections are those words being accompanied by his infectious laughter which spurred me to do more things that made him proud and happy.

Unlike my dad, I was never great at any sport. Although I attempted nearly every sport under the sun, perhaps in a desperate attempt to be like him, my inability to compete at an elite level, coupled with my anathema for losing made my interest for competing wane very quickly. I soon realised that I very much enjoyed being in my own lane, focused on what was achievable and within my capabilities.

However, living in a highly competitive and hierarchical world where social climbing seems the order of the day in both our societal and professional spheres, we’re constantly confronted with the conundrum - are we competing or are we achieving?

Recently, I learned that there are two types of people, Competitors and Achievers. Achievers wake up with their own to-do list which comprises of things they want to do by the end of a certain day or a period of time. They are focused on getting those things done, all of which is very much within their own swim lane. Conversely, competitors are looking to people in the other swim lanes wanting to beat them.

This ideology might sound a tough sell, particularly in an age where we’re seduced by the allure that comes with climbing up the fictitious social ladder, or excelling in different spheres of life which subconsciously moulds us into more competitive creatures. However, it is equally important to be mindful of the potential toxicity competition breeds, and how it encourages judging one’s self by other people’s standards as opposed to our individual capabilities.

As I’ve come to understand the dichotomy between both, I’ve found it far easier to embrace not being a competitor. The world needs more achievers and less competition, and the achiever in me is laser focused on raising the bar for myself, on areas I’m gifted in, and particularly on things I’m able to accomplish.

Similarly, my charge to you is to embrace yourself and remain authentic. Align with your core values and stay in your own lane. There is no competition, only your potential to be the best version of you.

Remember - “The only one you should compare yourself to is you. Your mission is to become better today than you were yesterday.” - John C. Maxwell

Peace, Love & Light,