Your Only Competition Is You
A few years ago, I signed up for a triathlon. It was labeled a sprint—a “quick race” by triathletes, with half a mile of swimming, 10 miles of biking, and 3 miles of running. For me, this was huge.
I’ve never been a runner—actually, I’d call what I do jogging at best. On a bike, I like casual rides, not speed. And swimming? I hadn’t done that in years before I started training at the local public pool. Still, the idea of taking on this challenge was exciting. I wasn’t sure how it would go, but I wanted to see what I could do.
On race day, everything that could go wrong seemed to. I showed up surrounded by serious athletes who clearly lived for events like this. I looked like I’d accidentally stumbled into their world. The race started with the swim, and in no time, everyone was so far ahead that the lifeguard boats began circling me, wondering if I’d even make it. By the time I finally got out of the water, everyone else had already grabbed their bikes and taken off.
I hopped on my heavy beach cruiser—yes, a beach cruiser—and started pedaling. Because I was so far behind, I missed a marker and took a wrong turn. I was frustrated and exhausted, and I cried while I pedaled, searching for the right path. But I didn’t stop. I kept going until I found my way back on track.
By the time I reached the run, I was still the last one out there and my headphones weren’t working. My motivation playlist was not available. Two hours after I started the race, I crossed the finish line—literally the last person. Three kind people were clapping and cheering as I made my way over the line. Everything else had been packed up, and as soon as I crossed, they started wrapping up behind me.
But here’s the thing: I didn’t care. I was exhilarated. I was proud of myself.
I never saw the triathlon as a race against anyone else. For me, it was about showing up for myself and seeing if I could finish something that felt almost impossible. I didn’t need to win or even place. I just needed to prove to myself that I could do it.
That day, I didn’t need to fit anyone’s idea of who should or shouldn’t be doing something like this. It wasn’t about being fast or flawless. It was about saying “Why not?” and showing myself what I’m capable of. And when I crossed that finish line—last place and all—I was proud of every single step.
ACTION: Identify one area in your life that feels like a big challenge right now—something that seems just out of reach. Take a moment to break it down. What’s the smallest, most manageable step you can take toward it today? Start there.
