<p>Competition in sports keeps us active and in shape. Competition in business encourages new technology, growth and ideas. When we strive to be better at our skill there is an experience of expansion.</p>
<p>But being distracted about our competitors leads to doubt. When we want to be better because we are afraid what others may think or afraid of being left behind, we experience contraction…like the air being released out of a balloon. In this state our energy is drained and ideas are fleeting.</p>
<p>I was at a luncheon meeting recently, where someone at our table began to poll the group asking, “Who is your competitor?” The question forced me to look at what I believed about competition. My confession is that I am a closet competitor. I don’t admit I am competing, but silently plot my strategy. I hate losing to Scrabble or gin rummy with my husband. (He always wins!!) And I have great compassion for my nephew when he changes the Monopoly rules when the game is not moving in his favor. (That’s much harder to get away with as an adult!)</p>
<p>When we compete just for the sake of competing, we lose sight of our purpose. We become obsessed with getting instead of giving. The urgency is to get ahead of the other guy before he does.</p>
<p>What is lost is the appreciation for the gifts we have. Whatever skill or talent or ability we have is unique. It’s not going to be the same as the guy down the street and it doesn’t have to be. One of my favorite books is by Trina Paulus called <em>Hope for the Flowers</em> about two caterpillars that get caught up in climbing the ‘caterpillar pillar’, a squirming mass of bodies stepping over each other to get to the top. The top is so far away no one can see it. The two caterpillars, Stripe and Yellow, are disillusioned and leave the pillar to find who they are. They risk going into the darkness of the cocoon to discover their true selves. They emerge as beauty, freedom and joy.</p>
<p>Here are some helpful tips when you find yourself squirming your way up the caterpillar pillar:</p>
<ul>
<li>Go into your cocoon: Take a few moments to reflect, renew and regenerate. The quiet helps to disconnect from the frantic world.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Practice gratitude: Give thanks for your unique talents, skills and abilities, for your current clients and their willingness to take advantage of your services and for the freedom to express them.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Transform fear thoughts into affirmative thoughts: <em>The world is conspiring to make me happy. I am open and receptive to my highest good. I am abundantly rewarded for my talents and abilities.</em></li>
</ul>
<p>In the book <em>Spiritual Economics</em>, Eric Butterworth states, <em>“Perhaps we need a new model of success, where the “good life” refers more to “values” than to “valuables.” Make a new commitment to think of your work not as a place to make a <strong>living</strong>, but as an opportunity to make a <strong>life</strong>.”</em></p>
<p>A few simple practices can transform fear into freedom, doubt into faith and competition into collaboration. It begins with intention. May hope light your path and wisdom guide your journey!</p>
2009-07-22T05:30:35Z
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living-beyond-competition
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2009-07-22T08:52:21Z
2009-07-22T14:53:14Z
When we compete just for the sake of competing, we lose sight of our purpose. We become obsessed with getting instead of giving.
Living Beyond Competition
1
2009-07-22T14:53:14Z