It is often said that the race of life is not a sprint but a marathon. Everyone is running at their own pace and time. The race of life does not constitute two people who are running the same race, at the same time, and at the same pace. Even twins who share the same birthday have a different path to walk in life. The story of Jacob and Esau is an example of twins with a different path in life (Genesis 25). They were twins but they pursued and lived different lives. Our paths in life are all different; we are all set to pursue a unique uncommon purpose. It is essential that we know our walk in life is not the same.

It is therefore a grave mistake to compare or measure ourselves with others, or to think we are in competition with others. We should also understand that the process of becoming who we need to be is not dependent on others but on us. Whatever approach we have to life is based on how we perceive and interpret the events of our lives. Each individual’s failure is therefore not a shared responsibility, but personal. So if that is the case, then who is our competition?

This subject is a sensitive one which must not be taken lightly. How many people are out there without any admiration of who they are? Many are fighting with insecurities while others want to be anything but themselves.
We find ourselves even competing with our own beliefs. And the only reason for all this is the failure to accept the truth about who we are. It is frustrating to fight as one beating the air.

Our beliefs have more to do with the challenges we face in life. Think about how much we restrict ourselves whenever we become too self-conscious. What goes on in our mind is our responsibility and no one else’s. What we allow in our mind is what defines who we end up becoming. So, if we allow thoughts that instill confidence and a strong self-image in our mind, then that is what the world will see in us. But a weak personality and a lack of confidence will always project a negative image. Until we believe in our ourselves and our abilities, no one will. 

I’m hoping you won’t be surprised that you are actually your own competition. Whoever does not have the power to control your mind has no power to influence your life. Since you are the only one with that power, your mind becomes your greatest competition. Whatever you process in your mind is what you get. These are things you have a say about; and they determine every outcome of your life.

This is not an issue of prayer; it is a something we need to understand. The use of our minds to create the outcome we desire is something we need to fully comprehend. The things that go on in our minds are our biggest challenges. These are the thoughts that we permit and dwell on; they become the building blocks of our lives.

If you deliberately want to experience a change in your life, don’t look to anyone; start from within. This is because you are not competing with your neighbor or family members, or your coworkers, church members, friends, or any stranger; your sole competition is no one but you. Every man or woman is the sole architect of the fulfillment of their destiny. Your life is therefore the blueprint of your own design. You get what you make of it. The question now is what will you be making of it?

 Now let’s talk about creating healthy competition for ourselves. We can achieve this through self-development and accepting the truth of who we really are. It might not be as simple as it sounds; but the first step is to acknowledge that we are or can be the best version of ourselves. We must get to the point where we believe in our abilities and embrace all of our potentials. To change anything in our lives we must first change what and how we believe. This is a pattern that controls everything we do.

Our behavior isn’t controlled by external influences as we would like to believe. It is all from within us. It could be something as simple as finding the true courage to admire who we are and what we have. The
self-discovery of the hidden beauty in us is the secret to truly loving ourselves. Another important way of taking back control is being grateful and paying less attention to things that take away from our self-worth.

Those who give too much time and thought to what others think of them are unconsciously giving over the control of their lives to others. And if that is your challenge you need to stop worrying about others and start overseeing your life. What you think of yourself is what represents who you are; what others think of you adds no value to your life. And now is the time to focus on your self-worth and values. This is the best time of our lives to create the image of who we want the world to see when we emerge. Create healthy competition within yourself by raising your standards and elevating your value. Let the world see the best of you; and do it for you.