We all know them. They’re the people who, no matter the story you tell, can do you one better. They don’t add to the conversation so much as control it. If you tell them your car get 30 mpg, theirs gets 35. If you tell them about being homecoming queen, they claim to have been that as well as Prom Queen and voted Most Likely to Succeed. If you’ve broken your ankle twice, they’ve broken their three times and dislocated a shoulder, too.
Those aren’t the kind of people I like to be around. And you know, for all their competitiveness, they’re really not very successful.
I was thinking of that today when contemplating my friend, Colleen, who some would describe as being competitive. Yes, I suppose she is but not in the way you would think. Colleen is competitive in a very healthy way. She doesn’t try to outdo everyone around her. Rather, she challenges herself to do better. She sets goals for herself then works toward achieving them.
Today Colleen became the first PayPerPost Blogger, or “Postie,” to earn $10,000. She had been the first to earn $1000 several months ago and at that time set a goal for herself. She decided then to earn $10,000 by July 5, 2007, her one year anniversary with PayPerPost.
Colleen set a goal for herself and then worked like mad to reach that goal. She succeeded ahead of schedule.
Yes, Colleen is competitive but in the healthiest of ways. She challenges herself while cheering on those around her. She’s ready to lend a helping hand and gives of herself; she advises and tutors. She has no problem with the success of others; her self-confidence is strong enough to allow her to be truly happy for those who also do well.
I’ve noticed some people are not comfortable with Colleen’s strong work ethic and go-getter attitude. Perhaps some are intimidated by her strength. I find it inspiring.
Colleen competes with herself. She keeps trying to do better today than she did yesterday. That is the secret of her success. She’s like a racehorse with blinders on; she only sees the goal in front of her as she races toward it.
Colleen is a lesson in how to succeed and I’m taking notes.
Congrats to Colleen!