When it comes to being competitive, the only one I compete with is myself.

I set goals and lay out detailed plans for achieving them. It keeps me organized and offers a degree of certainty – not in the outcome but in my ability to get things done and allow for things to go sideways.

Whether it’s my workout schedule which includes running, strength training and my ongoing battle with the heavy bag; my business which is entering its 19th year; or my personal life, I have a vision of what I want it to look like, a plan for what I need to do make that a reality, and a task list.

My life has been filled with stops, restarts, strides and stumbles, so I use a pencil and eraser.  

While it's nice when our accomplishments are recognized and our actions are acknowledged, it's a big win when we experience achieving a personal goal or meeting a personal challenge. I go for the win!

After all, what other people think of me is none of my business, what we think about ourselves and what we tell ourselves is indisputably more important and can give us a competitive edge.

Are you mindful of how you talk to yourself?