Hope you are ready for this ride! Are you in competition with someone? Is it wrong to be competitive? Is there a such thing as healthy competition? Does competition look different for females and males? These are all tough questions, but the answer may be on the minds of so many.

Let’s think about the business owners. So many people are pursuing their dreams of becoming business owners. Some have focused on areas of interests, while others may have jumped on board with current trends. Regardless, they have selected the path of business ownership. Are these like minded individuals in competition with each other or should they be? As a business owner, your focus should not primarily be on other business owners, it should be on how to make your business more profitable or more appealing to others. It’s up to you to make your business stand out. Just because someone else has the same hobby or business, doesn’t mean they are spending their time, money, or energy on competing with just you. It’s not about you!! There can be more than one! Think about it…..there’s a gas station on every corner. Do the other business owners get upset when a new one is built? It’s up to them to drive people to their business. Focus on making it where others are no competition for you.

Is healthy competition possible? Most definitely! I am pumped up and ready now for someone to challenge me on the activity app on my Apple Watch!!!! Healthy competition can be a great motivator. One should not be ashamed of their success. They might just be the motivation someone else needs to get them over their hurdle. I know as I go through this “better me” journey I am motivated by the success of one of my dear friends. In my mind it’s a healthy competition because I tell myself I have to keep pushing because she is still pushing. It’s even okay to have a competition in the business world. Compete with sales goals so you both succeed! In the end, you both win.

Finally, is there a difference in competition for females and males? It has been stated that women are less competitive and often feel less comfortable being competitive! Notice that I said “it has been stated.” This doesn’t mean this is the case for everyone. Males often appear comfortable being competitive and it’s often encouraged. Females on the other hand, are sometimes made to feel like they should not be competitive at the expense of others. Yes, I’ve heard all of this!!! People want to tie the emotionally and nurturing side of females to this topic. Well, let the games begin. Ladies, you must not feel guilty for your success. Don’t feel guilty about your happiness. Don’t feel like you can’t share your successes with your friends who may not be doing so well at the moment. If they can’t celebrate with you, then you need new friends. It should not be a secret and definitely shouldn’t be uncomfortable. I’m ready to see everyone shine. If it takes competition to get us all where we need to be, then let’s get ready to rumble!! I see success in seeing your succeed just as I succeed!!! Competition is reality and it exists. It’s up to you have you deal with it.