Hi there,
We often think of competition as a battle against everyone else. But the most impactful contest usually happens inside our own heads. Let’s look at a better way to compete—one where you focus on steady self-improvement instead of constantly worrying about what everyone else is doing.
1. Adopt a “continuous improvement” mentality.
One of the core lessons we can learn from advanced AI models—like OpenAI’s new o3—is that they never settle on a single version of success. They iterate, refine, and grow. In the same way, you can treat each day as a fresh opportunity to upgrade your mindset or learn something new. Even small, consistent improvements add up over time.
2. Benchmark yourself only against your past self.
AI models frequently compete on standardized benchmarks, but the real power lies in becoming better than you were before. Comparing yourself to others is often misleading—everyone has different strengths and starting points. Instead, keep track of your own progress. Note where you stood a month ago, and measure success by how far you’ve come since.
3. Stay adaptable and open-minded.
When a tech company sees a rival’s new AI outperforming theirs, they don’t freeze—they adjust, experiment, and roll out updates. You can do the same in your personal and professional life. Whether it’s picking up a new skill or adjusting to changing circumstances, staying flexible will keep you from getting stuck. Adaptability turns challenges into stepping stones.
This week, schedule a “personal performance review.” Pick one skill you’ve overlooked—maybe it’s public speaking, creative writing, or coding—and commit to a small but tangible practice goal. For instance, watch one tutorial on YouTube, then spend 20 minutes a day putting that lesson into practice.
Competition doesn’t have to feel stressful when you’re constantly learning and improving. Keep sharpening your mind and, before long, your future self will thank you for the effort you invest today.
If you’d like more resources to level up your skills and stay ahead (no matter who or what you’re up against), check out LifeHack All-Access. It’s full of expert-guided strategies to help you keep growing:
Explore more strategies here.
Leon
Founder & CEO @ LifeHack
