|
Author: Jeffrey Rolo Article source: http://usa-real-estate-guide.info/. Used with author's permission.
Naturally some of us are more competitive than others, but the vast majority of us have a good degree of competition hardwired into us. If you think you are not competitive in the least, ask yourself: have you ever felt a twinge of desire, jealousy or envy when looking at another person's accomplishments or lifestyle? If you said yes, you are competitive - otherwise you wouldn't care what others have.
Now before I offend anyone let me make it clear that I am not equating healthy desire or competition with vulgar jealousy. There's a fine line between unhealthy jealousy and a competitive spirit that pushes you towards obtaining the same as another individual has. Let's break this down into a specific example:
First we have Joe, an average guy that struggles to pay the bills each month. One evening while watching television he catches The Apprentice, sees Donald Trump and starts thinking to himself: "I wish I had what he had. It's not fair that he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth while I sit here at risk of losing my home."
Across the town we have Mary, another individual that is barely able to keep up with the bills each month. She is also tuning in to the abovementioned television show, and she's thinking similar thoughts, though they have a distinct difference: "I wish I had what he had. In fact, I'm going to sign up for a real estate course and learn the business such that years down the road I can match his success."
In the above examples, both would like to obtain Trump's status and fortunes, but only one has a realistic shot at actually improving his/her lifestyle. Joe is practicing sheer, unadulterated jealousy, which is an ugly and self-destructive attitude that leads him to rationalizing that the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. In his eyes, life just isn't fair, and there's nothing he can do about it.
On the flip side, Mary recognizes that Trump is a savvy businessman that has made his fortunes via real estate. Sure, he might have had a head start with the properties inherited by his father, but anyone with enough determination and vision could potentially learn the real estate market and take their own slice of the pie. She is embracing her competitive spirit - she wants what Trump has and she's going to do her best to stake her own claim.
The above examples are highly exaggerated and quite frankly unrealistic for most of us - as much as we'd like to become a billionaire, it's just not going to be in the cards. But that isn't to say we cannot become very wealthy and even hit millionaire status if that is our goal - all it takes is a lot of hard work, determination and a healthy sense of competition.
Most of us would like something that another person has, and while religions and society have trained us to reject such feelings, they aren't inherently bad. If you allow your desires to turn into jealousy and envy then yes, you are walking down a bitter and self-destructive path, but if you instead convert your desires into an honest plan to match their achievements then you're embracing your competitive spirit.
So reach for your desires. Embrace and nurture your inner competitive spirit such that it bubbles up and guides your actions each and every day. Competition is a wonderful motivator, and few of the world's "elite" businessmen and individuals would have accomplished their goals and achievements without a strong competitive spirit.
Copyright 2005 Goals and Motivation.com Jeffrey Rolo is an experienced human resources manager, business owner and also the owner of Goals and Motivation.com, a website offering a free 20+ page guide on goal setting. Visit http://www.goals-and-motivation.com to view this guide as well as other articles about goals and management.
Quick Tip - Effective Meetings Begin With Goals
Every project begins with a goal. And an effective meeting begins with a goal. Here's
what to do.
Is PR All About Image? NO!!
That's like asking if advertising is all about type faces and
photography. The answer to both questions is a teeth-clenched
"of course not!"
The Parable of the Touchstone
Here is a parable that illustrates an important success principle. You can be doing everything right, following all the other success principles, but if you mi...
Profitable Websites for Exclusive Industries
In the region where my company is located, South Bend, Indiana, the demand for web design and associated services could be described as: leery. It's not that...
Optimizing Your Website
Search Engine Optimization, optimizing your website for it to be visible in the search results of a search engine's query or in a search result of a directory.
Online Dating Beginners Quiz
Single and looking? Wondering whether you should give online dating
a try? Here's a quick quiz to help you determine whether you're ready.
Rate Your Self Esteem
Negative self talk is the best way to keep your self esteem on the low end of whatever scale you use.
A Short Term Tactic for Capturing More Profits
When attempting to execute this short term trading strategy,
look for stocks with high volume, and a relatively large
dividend payment.
Lose Weight and Exercise Now – Or Face the Music Later!
Our country is just starting to face the music for our actions. Look at what we've done to ourselves over the last thirty years. It's expected that millions wil...
The Gatekeeper is Your Key to Sales Success
It is often seen as an epic struggle...you versus the gatekeeper...winner take all! It doesn't have to be that way. Try these tips to create a relationship th...
Saboteurs to Your Weight Loss Plans
Saboteurs are people that try to defeat your weight loss plans, sometimes intentionally and more often not intentionally...
At What Price Are You Comfortable Buying A Stock At?
This is a big problem and it only gets worse with "market orders".
Worms in Your Dog... Gross!
Tell your furry fella not to feel ashamed of his worms! They're easily prevented and controlled with medication that your vet routinely prescribes to hundreds o...
Play Exclusive Las Vegas Golf Courses – The Not-So-Secret Secret
Experience the luxury of tour-class caddies. Play the private golf courses that celebrities and touring pros play. Get tee times on a course that once required ...
So Youve Decided to Finish Your Basement!
When a family decides to finish a basement space, there are so many factors to consider it can seem overwhelming. What does your family want to achieve within t...
Your Most Important Mommy Muscle - The Transverse Abdominis
If there is one muscle in your body that can help you be a better mom, look great in a bikini and provide an insurance policy against injury would you spend tim...
Check Out The Wonders Of Tea Tree Oil
Learn about the history and uses of tea tree oil and how it can benefit you.
Credit Score - Reporting Your Financial Health
Credit score is basic to your credit decision and is a guide to your financial health. Credit score will enable you to decide on which loan type to apply for an...
Eat Healthy for Life
Don't diet. Eat healthy and loss weight.
Super Powers
People fail to achieve the level of success they desire because they do not see themselves talented enough. They see those at the top of their field as super po...
How Many Dogs Are Too Many?
5 reasons why I support limitations on the number
of dogs a household should be allowed to keep.
Driving With Attitude: Speak To Yourself Boldly... And Swing A Big Stick!
Do YOU Naturally Mobilize The Power, Determination, Motion Speed, And Locked-In Focus You Need To Drive 250 Plus Yards...CONSISTENTLY? Technique Is Important ...
What is a Business Loan?
A business loan is designed for a wide range of small, medium and start-up business needs including the purchase, refinance and expansion of a business.
Get Permission to Earn Income Online for Life
You should agree first that getting permission to inform, to persuade and ultimately to sell to a prospect is the way to creating business success online, and e...
|
Print this page