The Power of Self-Competition: Elevating Yourself Beyond Limits
Introduction
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14
When I was I was in school there was no point in trying to compete with my older sister. She was Valedictorian of her class and had a perfect 4.0 in college. One of the wise things my mother did was avoid comparing my grades to my sister’s. Instead she said, “There’s always room for improvement.” While I did experience some negativity thinking nothing was quite good enough, the drive for self improvement has served me well. One of Jordon Peterson’s rules for life is, “Don’t compare yourself to others. Instead seek to be a little better tomorrow than who you were yesterday.”
Self-competition is the path in life to seek each day to be a better person in a variety of ways than you were the day before. The benefits of such an aim are bountiful. For example here is an oft sited piece of advice for those seeking to find the perfect mate. First do your best to be the kind of person someone else would like to find!
The Value of Self-Competition
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Colossians 3:23
First it gives you a way to have a reasonable goal. For example, if you want to be more fit it helps you progress day by day without discouragement. You won’t be tempted to worry you’ll never be as strong as someone else in the gym with bulging biceps.
When we visit our property in Arkansas I take a morning walk with Jasper our German Shepherd. We go to the end of the long driveway and head up the steep road. My goal is to go at least one step further each day. Sometimes I will go much farther and that makes tomorrow’s walk that much longer without the need to go that much more. One step more than yesterday is still a success.
Building Resilience
“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:13
Success in one area leads to improvement in all areas. Let’s stick with the fitness example. As we get more fit our self confidence also grows. My late wife was chronically ill for 29 years. There were many health crisis events along the way. I would not exactly say it got easier. However, having persevered has made me more resilient in the face of other crises since. Also during those years I was always in regular Spiritual Direction and/or Therapy. Perhaps a less strident term would be self-improvement. They are closely related.
Boosting Confidence
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
Success builds confidence. Even the small successes of being better today than yesterday multiplies over time. “I think I can.” Grows into “I know I can.” At least it becomes I have a reasonable track record to suggest I will succeed. As I progressed from one level of education to another my grades improved. At the Doctoral level I graduated “with distinction” achieving A-, A, A, & A+. Yet I also thought, “There’s always room for improvement.”
Enhanced Focus and Discipline
Self competition encourages discipline and focus on long-term goals.
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11
I used to keep a poster in my office that said, “If you don’t know where you are going you will probable end up somewhere else!” Another common phrase is “Keep your eyes on the prize!” Of course life is a collection of goals. One accomplishment leads to another goal. When we are moving forward we can contemplate what the next goal entails. We can know what disciplines enabled our success and improve on those lessons for the next goal.
Writing my dissertation of 600+ pages took. Ore discipline than anything that came before. Later I decided to attempt novel. It is no best seller but I am pleased to have completed The Duress Circle, self published on Amazon. Now I have moved on to writing these posts. After achieving 500 posts I am challenging my self to try video.
The are several areas for self competition.
Physical Self-Competition
Fitness Goals
Examples: Running a faster mile, lifting heavier weights.
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:24)
Encourages giving your best effort in physical pursuits.
Health Milestones
Examples: Improving diet, achieving a healthy weight
“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8)
Reminds us of the value of taking care of our physical health.
Mental Self-Competition
Intellectual Growth
Examples: Learning new topics, solving puzzles or intellectual challenges.
“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.” (Proverbs 18:15)
Encourages continuous learning and growth.
Emotional Resilience
Examples: Managing stress better, overcoming fears
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
Reinforces the importance of resilience and emotional strength.
Skill-Based Self-Competition
Professional Development
Examples: Gaining new certifications, improving work performance.
“Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.” (Proverbs 22:29)
Highlights the importance of skill development and excellence.
Creative Endeavors
Examples: Enhancing artistic skills, writing better poetry.
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)
Encourages putting our best effort into creative pursuits
Personal Habits and Lifestyle
Time Management
Examples: Becoming more efficient, eliminating procrastination
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)
Emphasizes the importance of using time wisely.
Building Positive Habits
Examples: Consistent exercise, reading more books.
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Encourages developing habits that honor God.
Practical Tips for Effective Self-Competition
Set Clear, Achievable Goals
Discuss the importance of setting specific and realistic goals. BHAG Big Harry Achievable Goal is the way to discern if our goals are good. Big means it is tough enough to be interesting and challenging. Harry means interesting and inspiring. Big Achievable means in spite size it is in the realm of possibility. If losing weight is your goal 100 lbs may be big enough unless you weigh 400. If you you want to start a new business it means lots of research. If you want to walk the Appalachian trail you might want to check with your Doctor.
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5) –
Stresses the importance of careful planning and goal-setting.
Track Your Progress
Encourage the use of journals, apps, or other tools to monitor growth.
“Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace.” (Psalm 37:37)
Tracking suggests reflection and observation help you gain encouragement with each small step.
Celebrate Small Wins
Emphasize the importance of recognizing and rewarding progress.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
Reminds us to celebrate and find joy in our achievements.
Reflect and Adjust
It is important to reassess goals and strategies regularly. Sometimes as we pursue a goal we may discern we need to make a change. The goal may be too hard or too easy or even wrong for any number of reasons
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.” (2 Corinthians 13:5)
It is important to regular make self-assessment and adjustment.
Conclusion
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
Achievements we gain through self competition are many. They are much more reasonable than chasing the successes of others. We are who we are. Role models have their place by giving us inspiration. Yet self competition is always more realistic.