Two ways to think about victory for the competitive person:

1. Winning through acquisition - points, homes, money, arguments, influence, or status.

2. Winning by being invited to play the game the next day.

#1 feels good short-term, but it doesn't sustain.  

#2 feeds the soul. Imagine if winning looked like this:

• A client calling you back because of your generous work;

• Your employer saying, "good work, come back tomorrow;"

• A friend says, "I loved the time we spent together. Let's do it again...;"

• The band you're subbing with invites you to play with them again; and

• Being able to wake up the next day.

Are you comparing your Instagram life to that of another? Looking to see if your house is better than your neighbors? Or trying to claw up the corporate ladder? If you are, consider rethinking what winning looks like for you. You might find that you get what you want and feel fulfilled in the process.  

And speaking of winning, congratulations to my Mom for receiving a Distinguished Alumnae award from her college. I am proud of you, Mom!