“Winning isn’t getting ahead of others. It’s getting ahead of yourself.” ~Roger Staubach (1942-), Hall of Fame former quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys
So often, we make life a competition.
Wait … I won’t speak for you. I’ll keep this post focused on the one person I can speak for: me.
Ahem.
So often, I make life a competition. In our family, we joke about how competitive we are. If you’re ever around for a Vogt family game night, you’ll learn board games are fun … to a point. Yes, we like to win.
Here’s the thing about winning: Somebody else has to lose.
I know — brilliant deduction, right?
Here’s what I’ve realized: Ensuring I’m a winner by climbing over other people is no fun. When I label myself a winner at the expense of someone else, I foster a negative mindset about the other person. And playing the “I’m a winner and you’re the loser” game is exhausting. I’m constantly checking to see how I’m doing based on how everyone else is doing. My position changes daily — sometimes hourly.
Am I against competition? Nope. I even believe kids need to experience both winning and losing. Life is made up off both, after all.
But I like Staubach’s perspective: How am I doing — as a woman, a wife, a mom, a writer — compared to me … yesterday? Have I matured? Changed? Learned something new? The reality is, I’m my toughest opponent.
In Your Words: What are you doing to get ahead of yourself today?
**Lindsay Harrel won the Beach Bag giveaway! Thanks to everyone who shared a romantic moment story!**
Please join me at my friend Jessica R. Patch’s blog today where we’re talking about postcards, llamas, wedding dresses and the two things I need to make it through the day!
Comments 19
Yay, Lindsay! 🙂
This summer, for me, is one big practice in getting ahead of myself. I’m working hard. And it feels really good. Like you, I think competition can be really healthy, and competing with myself is the best part of it. If I’m truly doing what I’m doing for God, why would I not strive to be the absolute best I can? In fact, as a Christian, I have more reason than anything to compete, work hard and be the best I can…because I’m representing Christ!
Melissa,
Keep me posted about how your competition against yourself is going, ‘k?
😉
I like your attitude!
Yay, Lindsay!! This will be perfect for her upcoming cruise!
I’m not a competitive person by nature and even when I hear other people talk about challenging themselves with a race or a personal goal, I don’t always understand the drive. I have a race set before me by God – one that only I can run and my goal is to finish it and to do it with grace. I don’t know how long the race is, but I know I have a Heavenly Host cheering me on and I’ve been told I have what it takes to complete it. When I get to that finish line God will be waiting for me with a big smile on His face and His arms open wide. That’s what propels me to get ahead!
Good morning, Gabrielle:
I like your eternal perspective on things.
Oh my goodness, this is the second giveaway today I’ve won! I think God must really be trying to give me a pick-me-up since I’ve got a rough week of work ahead. 🙂 Thanks, Beth!
And yes, I tend to be competitive, especially whenever it came to school. I had. To. Be. The. Best. And often, I was (not bragging, just…well, I’m going somewhere with it!). But that put me into a mindset for the rest of my life, thinking that my self-worth was based on what I did, and not on who I am in God. So now, I’m trying to fight my way out of that mindset. Not easy, but I do think it’s possible. It’s especially important I get a good foundation NOW before my writing career ever launches, because I don’t want to rise and fall based on my successes or failures in that arena.
Congratulations, Lindsay!
I understand the “have to be the best” mindset.
And yes, the writing world will take that mindset and whip it all around, so it’s good to get it anchored to something (Someone) else so that success isn’t defined by your achievements (or failures.)
LINDSAY! Congratulations! I’m so happy for you. 🙂
What a great quote by Roger Staubach! The idea of “competing” against myself, I like that. Being better than I was yesterday or the day before keeps me from comparing myself with others, one of my (many) weaknesses.
To get ahead of myself today, I am going to use my time wisely, practice using gracious words for a prickly situation and with my kids, and I’m going to revise two chapters. Thanks for this post, Beth!
Looks like you’ve got plenty to keep you going for a while, Jeanne!
This may sound weird, but I love competing against myself and I can give myself a run for it. 😉
~ Wendy
Why am I not surprised, Wendy?
🙂
Congrats Lindsay!
I just keep moving forward. I’ve stopped looking back a few years ago.
Cool quote … and post. Congrats Lindsay – it is your lucky day!
I am not a competitive person and I have to force myself to make those goals and strive for them. But I live with a very competitive man who can make even the simplest things of climbing the stairs into a race. Hopefully we balance each other out a little.
Interestingly, I posted today on my blog about a soccer coach I witnessed this last week who gave a whole new perspective to winning. Check it out if you would like – but Beth you would be proud of me … I started with a quote!!
We didn’t lose the game; we just ran out of time. Vince Lombardi
Going over to your blog right after this, Jodi!
I love quotes!
Wow, Lindsay’s on the roll with the blog giveaways this week!
I’m not overly competitive with other people…I’m too much of a people-pleaser. But when it comes to competing with myself? Watch out. 🙂
Sarah:
I shouldn’t be surprised, what with you being a physical trainer and all.
🙂
As a competitive person, your words stuck home, Beth. I can’t tell you how many times my Dad had to re-teach the lesson to be a graceful winner AND a graceful loser. But I take a very different view of that on writing. I love reading and learning from the wisdom of others. It’s not a competition to me. That must be God’s grace, and frees me to write with depth and passion to what He’s called me to. Instead of keeping up with the Joneses, the latest writing genre, or marketing gimick. The challenge now? Being in competition with myself. That, my friend, is a tough game to win. 🙂
And yet another reason to like you, Donna.
And admire you.
Lindsay – Congratulations! I love it when God gives us a personal little boost. He’s so intimate and personal, isn’t He?
Thanks for your post, Beth – really enjoy getting to know you through others’ words. You really can tell a lot about people by the quotes they relate to 🙂
Thanks for the encouragement, Becky.
And I always find it interesting what quotes spark conversations with others.
🙂