The Folly of Competing Where You Don’t Compare

In today’s world, competition is everywhere. From business and social status to creative endeavors and personal relationships, people constantly measure themselves against others. While healthy competition can drive ambition and success, there’s a fine line between striving for excellence and blindly attempting to compete in arenas where one simply does not compare. This misplaced competitiveness often leads to frustration, disillusionment, and even embarrassment. The Illusion of Rivalry Some individuals convince themselves that they are on the same level as those who have spent years refining their craft, education, or expertise. Instead of recognizing their own strengths and working within their lane, they become obsessed with outshining others—often in ways that highlight their own shortcomings rather than any real competence. Take, for example, a person who watches a professional artist at work and immediately believes they can replicate the same level of skill without proper...