Not long ago I was attending a conference at a large hotel. I got up early to use the treadmill in the hotel fitness center. While on my morning run and no one else there, I began to think how disciplined I was. I mean come on, the hotel had hundreds of guests and I was the only one who had enough discipline to hit the gym early in the morning. I put on my best superiority complex.
A few minutes later, someone about 25 years younger starting running on the treadmill next to me. And I mean running. I was a tortoise compared to the hare. My self-esteem quickly swung to the other end of the spectrum. My thoughts turned to how slow and out of shape I was next to Mr. Young, Fit and In Shape.
Comparing ourselves to others is always a losing game. Either we think we are better than others or never good enough. Both are unhealthy and untrue.
God made you unique and your best strategy is to be the very best you that you can be.
Here are three reasons to focus on being your best.
1. You focus on what you can control. Being overly concerned about others is a waste of time. You can’t control others.
“I decided to resign myself from the position of general manager of the universe.” -Jeff Gitomer
2. You become less critical of others. Time invested in improving yourself cuts down on time wasted in disapproving of others.
3. You simplify your life. Concentrate on pleasing God and being all He created you to be. Life is much better and simpler living for an audience of One.