In this ever-competitive world, it helps if you know how to compete…and how to win. This doesn’t mean you have to ace every test or go out and win a marathon, but it helps to know how to push past your personal limits to reach a goal you might not have otherwise. So, if you need to hone your competitive edge, find some grit and make it across that literal or figurative finish line, read on.
- Figure out which type of competition works for you. The two types of competition, internal and external, both have strengths and weaknesses. What will work best for you? Do you find yourself pushed by beating your own best effort? This means you focus on the process, looking at technique and fundamentals; that way, when you try again, you’ll know where you need to focus and make changes. Or does it help you to have others push you, to look at what they do to excel, and then try to emulate or go beyond that? For some of us, we need that external push to urge us to run a bit faster, train a bit harder, try a new technique to beat the other person.
- Compete to become better, not bitter. Whether you compete internally or externally (or both, depending on the situation), you should see it as a cycle of improvement rather than an all-or-nothing proposition. When you compete with others, take care with comparisons. Look at Michael Phelps as an inspiration, but don’t beat yourself up if you don’t break any records. Once you know how to compete with others, you can compete with yourself. Start with beating the other person, then look at yourself and determine how and where you can improve even more.
- Learn how to fight. If you want to win, you must know how to fight properly. This means avoiding petty arguments and passive-aggressive behavior, but it doesn’t mean all-out warfare, either. It does mean conflicting openly and constructively. Think about large companies who compete. The good ones don’t attack each other, nor do they resort to behind-the-scenes tactics. Instead, they keep their competition above-board, and most importantly, they show up. Half of winning is simply showing up and putting in the necessary work. Talent only gets you so far; to win, you must make a commitment and stick to it.
Winning isn’t everything, nor is it the only thing (contrary to what Yogi Berra said). But if you want to push yourself to go beyond your comfort zone, you need to compete and aim for that win. Reach out to the medical staffing team at Medical Professionals today!
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