Imagine having a job where EVERYBODY is being compared EVERY DAY. That was my life in professional baseball. Everyone on the field was looked at under a microscope. Every. Single. Game.

Teammates competed with each other for the next promotion. Coaches were focused on taking the next steps towards a major league dugout. Umpires were looking for the “big break” that would land them behind home plate in a big league stadium. Every day, your worth was determined by a set of statistics that would ultimately determine your fate. Every game could possibly be your last.

Don’t get me wrong. Being a professional athlete was an honor. It includes memories I’ll never forget. However, shooting for major league stardom also allowed comparison to absorb my life. I’ve allowed comparison to rear its ugly head in my business career far too many times. When you’re in sales, it’s easy to do. Like my baseball career, sales professionals are often judged by stats. Instead of wins, strikeouts, and earned run average, it’s appointments, proposals, and sales. Equally important. Equally detrimental when comparison is allowed to sneak in.

So, here’s my advice to you.

Don’t let comparison by the thief of joy in your life.

DO NOT compare yourself to others. When you see others having success, cheer them on. Don’t grow envious because the universe is ALWAYS listening and this envy will block your path to success.

DO NOT compare yourself to your past self. Who you are today is who you are supposed to be. If you were supposed to be someone else, you would be. Wake up everyday knowing that you are right where you’re supposed to be and today represents another opportunity to be even better.

If you’re going to compare yourself to anybody, compare yourself to the person you want to be 1 year, 5 years, 10 years from now. Strive to make today better than it was yesterday. Strive to become the person your 10-years-older-self will be proud of. Who cares what others are doing. Who cares what others are striving for.

Don’t focus on stats. Focus on growth. Don’t look side-to-side. Look straight ahead.

Be better today than you were yesterday, but know … that you’re going to be even better tomorrow than you are today!

 

Make it a major league day!