Some years ago, I was in the gym jogging on the treadmill with a 30 minute run as my goal. After a brisk five minutes, I noticed an athletic-looking chap hop onto the adjacent treadmill and begin running at my pace from the get-go, without even a warmup. Now maybe it’s just me, but whenever this happens I can’t help but feel threatened. Instinct kicks in and says this guy is challenging me.
I am divided. One part tells me to swallow my ego and just stick to my goal and not care. The devil on my shoulder says to destroy this man; to not stop before he does.
I decide to stick to my goal. However, every time I increase my speed, Superjock does the same. By the 25th minute mark, panting like two dogs in a desert, we are both still unrelenting. At this point, I decide to go for broke. I make a mad dash to that finish line I see within my now hallucinating head. As soon as he sees me sprinting, Superjock pulls the emergency key on his treadmill and staggers off. With towel in hand, he makes a quick beeline to the locker room. With heartbeat ricocheting throughout my body like an air hockey puck, I complete my 30 minute goal and come to a stop, exhausted yet relieved.
I am ecstatic, but for what? Beating the guy or reaching my goal? I decide it’s the latter, and take the win as a bonus.
You see, this guy may not be here next time. If I make him or anyone else my competition, who will push me when they’re not around?
Me. My goals. I must defeat me. Each and every time.
“Look in the mirror, that’s your competition”
- Eric Thomas
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