Raise the Bar on Yourself

“Moderate your desire of victory over your adversaries and be pleased with the one over yourself.”

— Benjamin Franklin

I love to compete.

I’ve been that way since I was young.

Every sport.

Every endeavor.

Losing is not an option.

Although I have lost plenty of times.

My mindset is about winning. 

Claiming victory.

But my most intense competition is with myself.

I have a dogged determination to better my best.

Whether I am on the golf course.

Or in business.

And most certainly in life.

I am my greatest critic.

I want to be better today than I was yesterday.

Beating a competitor one time is temporary.

Continually improving yourself allows you to sustain and scale victory and dominate the competition over the long haul.

Champions understand that forcing change upon themselves is what gives them a slight edge over their opponents.

They don’t wait for someone else or circumstances to make them change. 

They are willing to endure the pain of change so they don’t have to live with the regret of staying the same.

While the world is sleeping, they are working and getting stronger.

While everyone else is partying, they are busy preparing.

And while most are content to fit in with the world around them, heroes and champions understand the responsibility that comes with being created a one-of-a-kind original.

It is time to raise the bar on yourself instead of lowering it to the level of those who play small.

It’s time to believe in your capacity for greatness.

It’s time to do the work on you. 

Let go of what is holding you back. 

Your passion is bigger than your fear.

Lean into that passion.

Bring it to the place you are right now.

Let no one rob you of the gifts that live within you.

Excavate.

Dig deep.

Find the treasure that is hidden beneath the surface.

Who cares what the competition is doing?

It doesn’t matter what others are saying or doing.

What matters is what you’re doing. 

What you’re thinking.

What you believe.

You take care of your business, and the world will make a place for you.

The market will marvel at what you have done. 

The competition will concede to the formidable force you have become.

Settle for nothing less than your best.

Never quit.

Finish what you start.

No excuses.

Period.

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Kevin D. Brown is a branding and culture expert. He’s an award-winning motivational speaker, bestselling author, and the creator of The Hero Effect®. Follow him on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.