The above examples are highly exaggerated and quite frankly unrealistic for most of us as much as we’d like to become a billionaire, it’s just not going to be in the cards. But that isn’t to say we cannot become very wealthy and even hit millionaire status if that is our goal, all it takes is a lot of hard work, determination and a healthy sense of competition.
Most of us would like something that another person has, and while religions and society have trained us to reject such feelings, they aren’t inherently bad. If you allow your desires to turn into jealousy and envy then yes, you are walking down a bitter and selfdestructive path, but if you instead convert your desires into an honest plan to match their achievements then you’re embracing your competitive spirit.
So reach for your desires.
Let’s break this down into a specific example:
First we have Joe, an average guy that struggles to pay the bills each month. One evening while watching television he catches The Apprentice, sees Donald Trump and starts thinking to himself: “I wish I had what he had. It’s not fair that he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth while I sit here at risk of losing my home.”
Across the town we have Mary, another individual that is barely able to keep up with the bills each month. She is also tuning in to the abovementioned television show, and she’s thinking similar thoughts, though they have a distinct difference: “I wish I had what he had. In fact, I’m going to sign up for a real estate course and learn the business such that years down the road I can match his success.”
In the above examples, both would like to obtain Trump’s status and fortunes, but only one has a realistic shot at actually improving his/her lifestyle.
Naturally, some of us are more competitive than others, but good competition is inherent to most of us. If you feel that you are not at all competitive, ask yourself the following questions: Have you ever experienced a surge of desire, jealousy, or envy when you see the accomplishments or lifestyle of others? If you answered yes then you are competitive, otherwise you won't care what others have. Now, before I offend anyone, let me make it clear that we do not equate wholesome desire or competition with vulgar envy. Between unhealthy jealousy and competitive spirit, there is a line that pushes you to get what others are getting. Let’s break this down into a specific example: First we have Joe, an average guy that struggles to pay the bills each month. One evening while watching television he catches The Apprentice, sees Donald Trump and starts thinking to himself: “I wish I had what he had. It’s not fair that he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth while I sit here at risk of losing my home.” Across the town we have Mary, another individual that is barely able to keep up with the bills each month. She is also tuning in to the abovementioned television show, and she’s thinking similar thoughts, though they have a distinct difference: “I wish I had what he had. In fact, I’m going to sign up for a real estate course and learn the business such that years down the road I can match his success.” In the above examples, both would like to obtain Trump’s status and fortunes, but only one has a realistic shot at actually improving his/her lifestyle. Joe practices pure and pure jealousy. This is an ugly, self-destructive attitude that rationalizes the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. In his eyes, life is simply unfair and there is nothing you can do about it. Mary, on the other hand, admits that Trump is a seasoned businessman who made a ton of money in real estate. Of course, he could have an advantage with the fortune inherited from his father, but anyone with enough determination and foresight could potentially explore the real estate market and get a slice of his pie. She will remain competitive, want what Trump has, and will do everything she can to make herself known. The above examples are highly exaggerated and quite frankly unrealistic for most of us as much as we’d like to become a billionaire, it’s just not going to be in the cards. But that isn’t to say we cannot become very wealthy and even hit millionaire status if that is our goal all it takes is a lot of hard work, determination and a healthy sense of competition. Most of us would like something that another person has, and while religions and society have trained us to reject such feelings, they aren’t inherently bad. If you allow your desires to turn into jealousy and envy then yes, you are walking down a bitter and selfdestructive path, but if you instead convert your desires into an honest plan to match their achievements then you’re embracing your competitive spirit. So reach for your desires. Embrace and nurture your inner competitive spirit to stimulate and guide your actions every day. Competition is a great motivator, and without a strong competitive spirit, only a small percentage of the world's "elite" businessmen and individuals will achieve their goals and achievements.
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