by Annamaria Geresdi
I’m not a competitive person. I don’t envy others and am not spiteful. I’m simply happy for other people’s achievements. Having a prestigious career, money, and material possessions somehow have never been motivational forces for me. I’m grateful for what I have and I feel content with my life.
Unlike some people, I’m not driven by the thrill of chasing success, power, or wealth. And I don’t find enjoyment in trying to outdo others or get a rush from winning. This doesn’t mean that I am apathetic or dispassionate, only that I have a preference for finding peaceful solutions, helping others, and working together.
Even when I was a kid, I steered away from competition. I didn’t sign up for school contests or tournaments, and I enjoyed letting my friends win when we played cards or board games. This strange dislike of competing followed me into adulthood. I developed somewhat of an aversion to any type of rivalry, not only in my personal but also in my professional life.
I strive to create a peaceful home and work environment and I try to avoid situations where I’d find myself having to cross swords with anyone. I don’t feel comfortable in the demanding and competitive world of business where everyone tries to do better or more than the other, stepping on each other to get ahead. To me success means something other than attaining popularity or riches. I believe that the true measure of success in life is not how much money we make or how many cars and houses we own, but how many lives we impact.
I believe that the real empowerment lies in helping and inspiring each other, not in trying to impress or outshine our fellow peers. Each one of us is a unique individual, with different goals, lessons, and potentials, yet we all are connected. Finding and cherishing these connections is what’s important, I think, not focusing on the differences that may separate us.
Life is a journey, not a competition. It is a journey where no one is more ahead of you or behind you, where no one is more enlightened or evolved than the other. We are exactly where we are supposed to be. We all are teachers and we are all students at the same time.
“Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.” ― Albert Camus