How to stop focusing on the competition so you can expand

When I was a rower in high school and college, my mindset was all about winning. Like many athletes, I was taught that competition was the name of the game. Success was measured by how much better we performed than our rivals. Our coaches instilled in us a fierce drive to win, to push ourselves beyond our limits in the pursuit of victory.

But amidst all the training and competition, there was one piece of advice that stood out—a mantra repeated by our coaches that I didn’t fully appreciate at the time: “Keep your head in the boat.” This simple phrase was meant to remind us to focus on our own performance, to avoid the temptation of constantly looking over at our competitors to see how they were doing. The idea was that our best chance of winning came not from reacting to others, but from refining our own technique and giving our best effort.

The Lesson: Keep Your Head in the Boat

“Keep your head in the boat” was more than just a directive; it was a mindset. In the context of rowing, it meant maintaining focus on our stroke, our rhythm, and our strategy. Looking outside the boat—at the other crews, the water conditions, or the crowd—would only break our concentration and throw us off balance. The real challenge was in trusting our own process, believing that our preparation and discipline would carry us through.

At the time, this advice was a tool for winning races. But as I transitioned from rowing into the world of business, I began to see its broader application. Initially, my focus in business was similar to that of rowing: I was constantly gauging my success based on how I compared to others. I would track my competitors’ every move, always worried that they might gain an edge over me. My energy was spent reacting to them, trying to outpace their progress rather than fully developing my own.

The Shift: A New Perspective on Competition

As I gained more experience, I started to reflect on what “keeping my head in the boat” really meant outside of rowing. The realization hit me that while competition can drive us to improve, constantly focusing on what others are doing can be a distraction. It takes us away from our own unique strengths and the potential for innovation within our own work.

This epiphany marked a significant shift in my approach to competition. I began to place less emphasis on what my competitors were doing and more on what I could do to improve myself and my business. I realized that true success didn’t come from merely outperforming others, but from continually improving my own processes, strategies, and mindset.

The Evolution: Gratitude for My Competitors

Over time, this shift in perspective deepened. I no longer saw my competitors as threats, but as valuable teachers. I began to appreciate how much I had learned from them—whether it was new strategies, innovative ideas, or simply the motivation to push myself harder. This wasn’t just a professional courtesy; it was a genuine sense of gratitude. My competitors had, in many ways, made me better.

This new outlook transformed how I engaged with the competitive landscape. Instead of cheering against my competition, I found myself cheering for them, admiring their strengths, and learning from their successes. This change in mindset didn’t just make me a better businessperson; it made me more fulfilled, knowing that I was growing not by tearing others down, but by building myself up in collaboration with the wider industry.

The Challenge: Shifting Your Perspective

So here’s a challenge I’d like to extend to you: Take a moment today to express gratitude or appreciation to one of your competitors or rivals. It could be a note, an email, or even a silent acknowledgment to yourself. Recognize the role they play in your growth and how their strengths can inspire you to develop your own.

Shifting your perspective on competition can have a profound impact on your approach to business—and to life. It’s not about winning or losing, but about continuous improvement and learning from everyone around you, including your competitors. By focusing on your own journey and appreciating the contributions of others, you’ll find that success is not a finite resource, but an ever-expanding opportunity for growth.

In the end, keeping your head in the boat isn’t just about maintaining focus—it’s about understanding that true progress comes from within. When you focus on your own development, free from the distractions of external comparisons, you’re able to reach your full potential. And sometimes, the best way to reach that potential is by learning from and appreciating those who challenge you the most.

Remember, it’s not about beating the competition; it’s about becoming the best version of yourself. And in that journey, every competitor is a teacher, every challenge an opportunity, and every success a shared victory.