There Is No Competition: Just Create What You Want to Do
For as long as I can remember, I viewed life through the lens of competition. The idea that there was only so much success to go around was ingrained in me, and I thought that to make my mark, I had to outdo everyone else. But somewhere along the way, I realized something transformative: there is no competition. The path to success, fulfillment, and creativity isn’t a race against others—it’s an open space to build what you truly want.
The freedom of this perspective completely changed how I approach my work, my goals, and my life. When you stop competing and start creating what genuinely resonates with you, everything shifts. Let me share how I discovered this shift and how it led me to a more fulfilling way of working and living.
The Burden of Competition
In the beginning, competition was my driving force. I measured my success by comparing it to the achievements of others. If someone else was excelling in my field, I felt a pang of anxiety, as though their success somehow threatened mine. This mindset created pressure and stress, making me feel like I was always running a race I couldn’t win.
Every project felt like a test, every achievement like a point on a scoreboard. But the problem with this way of thinking was that I wasn’t creating from a place of authenticity or passion. I was creating to “beat” others, to keep up or surpass, rather than to bring something meaningful into the world. And over time, this mindset drained the joy out of my work.
The Shift: Realizing There Is No Competition
The shift happened gradually, as I began to realize that the people I admired most weren’t those who constantly worried about competition. Instead, they were people who created with purpose and passion, regardless of what others were doing. Their work stood out not because it was “better” than someone else’s, but because it was uniquely theirs. They weren’t trying to win a race—they were just bringing their vision to life.
It dawned on me that success isn’t about competing with others; it’s about creating what feels true and meaningful to you. This realization took a weight off my shoulders. I didn’t have to measure myself against anyone else or constantly compare my progress. I just had to focus on creating what I wanted to bring into the world.
Creating from a Place of Authenticity
Once I let go of competition, I was able to connect with my work in a whole new way. Instead of asking, “How can I be better than others?” I started asking, “What do I want to create? What excites me?” These questions led me to discover what I truly wanted to work on, not what I thought I “should” work on to stay competitive.
This shift brought a renewed sense of freedom. Without the pressure to outdo anyone, I could take risks, explore new ideas, and allow my creativity to flow naturally. I wasn’t confined by what was popular or what others were doing; I was creating from a place of authenticity and joy.
For example, I began projects that had been on my mind for years, but I’d avoided because I didn’t think they were “competitive” enough. Now, free from that mindset, I approached each project with excitement rather than worry. And the result? My work felt more genuine, and the response I received was far more positive because people could sense that authenticity.
Embracing Abundance Over Scarcity
Letting go of competition also shifted my mindset from scarcity to abundance. The scarcity mentality tells us there’s a limited amount of success, recognition, or opportunity, and that if someone else has it, there’s less left for us. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Success isn’t pieced out in finite portions—there’s room for everyone to create, succeed, and be appreciated.
When you embrace an abundance mindset, you stop seeing others as rivals. You recognize that each person brings something unique to the table, and that there’s room for all voices, ideas, and creations. Instead of viewing others’ success as a threat, I began to see it as inspiration, a reminder that we all have something special to offer.
Finding Fulfillment Beyond the Finish Line
Once I stopped competing, I discovered that true fulfillment doesn’t come from finishing first or achieving more than others. It comes from the process itself—the joy of creating something that reflects who you are. When you focus on bringing your own vision to life, you don’t need a finish line. The journey itself is rewarding.
Today, I create with a different mindset. I’m no longer racing against anyone. I’m exploring, learning, and building things that matter to me. There’s no rush, no comparison, and no need to constantly “prove” myself. I’ve found a fulfillment that isn’t dependent on external validation but rooted in the simple joy of creating.
The Invitation: Just Create What You Want
If you find yourself caught in the pressure to compete, remember this: There is no competition. There’s only you and the unique contribution you have to offer. The world doesn’t need you to be “better” than others—it needs you to be fully yourself, bringing your vision to life in a way that only you can.
Embrace the freedom of creating for the sake of creation. Build what you want, what excites you, and what resonates with you. When you let go of the need to compete, you open the door to endless possibilities, where each creation is a reflection of your true self. And in the end, that’s the most valuable contribution you can make.
