It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed.
Every morning a lion wakes up.
It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death.
It doesn’t matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle.
When the sun comes up, you better start running faster than the other.”
African Proverb
Every day, someone in another country, someone working for another business, or someone studying at another university is working hard to ensure they outperform you and end up on top. He or she is searching for ways to develop their skills and outsmart and outwork you so they can be enjoying what you want. Will you let them?
In our capitalistic society, and world, competition is a daily reality. Each day we are competing against someone, whether we like it or not. Though many times we do not think about others whom we do not know, they are constantly there—always working and looking to outdo us, not out of spite but simply out of want.
What does that mean for you? It means you must commit to work towards your goals and vision on a daily basis. It means you can’t waste time or simply hope good things will happen. You must work hard and be courageous and disciplined. You must seek to learn and ask questions. You must also be loyal, build teamwork and camaraderie, communicate with others, and look beyond yourself. Each day you need to maximize your time and perform to the best of your ability—working hard, smart, collaboratively, and creatively. Each day you must put forth 100% of your effort. Each day you are competing whether you like it or not, and each day you have the opportunity to win by performing your best.
Does this mean you should put others down and try to hinder their progress? Absolutely not! In fact, you should try to partner and collaborate with them, as it is impossible to maximize your abilities alone. We all need others to reach our full potential. Building others up will only build yourself and help you overcome and beat the competition.
Should you be worried about this competition? Fortunately, you can feel secure in this competition and actually enjoy it as you move forward doing things the best you can—for that is all you can do. If you strive each day to be your best, you will be satisfied and feel successful. By competing and working hard each day your fire will burn, and you will not fail! So remember, “it doesn’t matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle. When the sun comes up, you better start running fast”…because you can be assured the competition will.
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