Why on earth should someone aim for winning a bronze medal rather than silver, I hear you ask? In fact, why not aim for gold?
Both great questions but missing the point.
When you win a silver medal, the likelihood is you are looking upwards to the gold medal winner, thinking; “If only I could have run half a second faster...delivered that extra stroke in the pool...perfected that move on the bars…then I would have achieved a gold."
In contrast, when you win a bronze medal, you are likely to compare downwards; “Wow! I’m on the podium...I’ve won a medal...all of my hard work got me here.”
A totally different thought process and mindset - one which we should learn from in our professional lives.
In the words of Theodore Roosevelt; “Comparison is the thief of joy.”
Many of us find ourselves trapped in a cycle of 'comparing up' - always looking at those around us and their 'successes'. This leads us to constantly feeling as though we are underperforming. We yearn for the attributes and achievements of others making us feel inadequate and this in turn diminishes our self-worth. When we focus solely on what we lack or haven’t achieved, we lose sight of our accomplishments and inherent talents. This relentless pursuit of more, erodes our confidence and sense of identity.
Conversely, 'comparing down' allows us to appreciate our current position and achievements. It reminds us that while there is always room for growth, we have already achieved goals that others only dream of. Comparing down means reflecting on our past selves, celebrating our progress and how far we have come, and understanding that circumstances could be worse.
Does this mean we shouldn’t aim for gold?
That’s not what I am saying at all. Don’t let 'comparing down', halt your ambition. Aim to reach your full potential and make a significant impact. Set ambitious goals that challenge you to excel.
Focus on the gold but celebrate your progress along the way. It’s your achievements alone that matter…no one else’s.
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