Every day presents an opportunity to grow, and the most important comparison we can make is with ourselves. Instead of measuring success by how we stack up against others, we should focus on how far we’ve come from where we started. Think of it like learning a new skill. When you first start, you might not be good at it, but over time, if you keep practicing, you’ll notice gradual improvement. That’s the key—small, consistent steps toward becoming a better version of yourself.

Take the example of an athlete training for a marathon. The first day might seem difficult, and the progress might not be visible immediately. But if the athlete focuses on improving just a little each day—whether it’s running a little longer, lifting a bit more, or eating healthier—the progress adds up. One day, that small improvement will show up in the race results, not because the athlete outperformed others, but because they outdid their past self.

This idea applies to every part of life, from personal goals to career growth. By improving even 1% each day, you create momentum that leads to long-term success. Eventually, when you look back, you’ll realize that consistent, small changes have led to big achievements. The competition isn’t with anyone else; it’s with the person you were yesterday.