"My philosophy has always been to be the best, not to be the first.". TIM COOK
Many times I sit down to read the biography of some people who can serve as an example for many. And reading about Tim Cook, I said to myself, wow, this sentence is really good, they really leave a great teaching for everyone. It is very basic, certainly, but it leads you to think about something that at least for me is compelling.
For those who do not know this character, I recommend you to read him, get to know him, and learn from him. He is the CEO of APPLE Inc since the death of Steve Jobs in 1911, and since then he is the one who has made this company (known by all) double its value in the global market. So I think he is someone who has a lot to offer to the world, and reading him is a good way to learn.
But well, I want to emphasize the sentence I started this post with, so let's get to it next.
Is it right to be in competition?...I could say yes, but, competition of what kind, competition with whom?. Because being in that condition of continuously improving and seeking to be better does not imply being in permanent struggle with others but with ourselves. Very often people tend to compare themselves and thus enter into a kind of competition seeking to be first. But, being first guarantees being the best, not always, it is not an absolute truth.
I can say with full confidence that the ideal is to look for a way to be better today than we were yesterday. It is not about looking outside to feel better or worse by comparing ourselves, it is about looking for a way to be that better person, that better professional. Always think that what we do we can improve, and who knows, it is possible that even without wanting to, working in an organized and constant way in search of that goal that we want to achieve so much, we can become "somehow" a reference, but it is not that recognition what makes us move, no, but that desire to be better.
It is said that there are healthy competitions, I think so too, but the greatest competition we should have is with ourselves, at least that is my way of thinking. Many times when I do something, I usually see it, and I tell myself that I can improve it, that I can improve myself, and it is there a competition that leads me to action. Without getting into conflict with anyone, nor with myself, obviously.
Even, a clear example of the ways in which we can look for ways to improve our daily activities can be projected on this platform.
Writing is surely not for everyone, it requires basic aspects and other more complex ones that are acquired over time. The experience, the studies done, the daily reading, all this has an impact on writing, I think that more than everything reading. This gives us many other ideas, living is another conditioning factor for better writing, yes, living, that which in theory we should all know how to do. So, trying to improve daily in this aspect, comparing what we have done previously is a good way to exemplify what I have mentioned, compare ourselves with ourselves and look for ways to improve what we have done previously. And improving will not always imply being first....
It may seem a bit absurd and even paradoxical that the best is not always first, but it is a reality. Although we could get into a discussion about what is "the best", that will depend on each one of us, on our tastes, on our realities.
So, this confirms to me that the best competition I can have is with myself, demanding more and more of myself to be if not "the best", at least better than what I was yesterday.
I say goodbye, thank you very much for reading me.
Have a great weekend everyone. And don't forget, "stay safe."
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