To become better (than others)...

...become a better you.

I find that too many of us are competing against the wrong standard.  In fact more than once, I've caught myself comparing myself to others and unintentionally 'competing' against them. The truth is:
To become better, become a better YOU.

The best type of competitiveness is competition against one's self - not anyone else.
The best you can ever be is a better you.
The most successful people in life focus on self-improvement and self-development.
No matter how hard you try, aiming to be a better version of someone else ultimately makes you second-best of the person you're trying to be like - a copy not an original.

Take Judy Garland's advice:

Always be a first-rate version of yourself,

instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.

 

I strongly recommend that you make this one of your resolutions in 2014 and for life. 

How busy are you?

One thing a lot of people, especially women - who are known for multi-tasking, are is BUSY!   In fact, it's almost fashionable to be busy which is why Socrates' words of wisdom come in handy: "Beware the barrenness of a busy life."   A few months ago, I read this rather interesting piece and just had to share it:   Please Stop Complaining About How Busy You Are - @HarvardBiz http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2013/09/please_stop_complaining_about.html And just in case you you're too busy to read this, let me share another set of words of wisdom: “No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.” ~ Confucius I couldn't have put that better so I'll take a cue from that piece of advice to recommend this wonderful book I read a few years ago. Dealing with busy-ness is a challenge...we need to educate and equip ourselves with knowledge and tools to deal effectively with busy-ness and then take a step further to empower others...so we all excel together.