Focusing on Self-Improvement: A Shift from Competition

Recently, I had stumbled across a quote that stopped me in my tracks. After a brief search, I discovered it came from none other than Bill Gates:

“I am not in competition with anyone but myself. My goal is to improve myself continuously.”

It’s a simple statement, but it hit me in a way I didn’t expect.

We’re constantly told that we live in a “competitive market.” Whether you work in the creative arts, tech, or are just trying to navigate daily life, the pressure to be better than the next person is everywhere. But the more I think about it, the more I realise that competing with others causes a massive distraction to me.

The Trap of Comparison

When you continuously look over your shoulder to see how someone else is doing, you don’t analyse your own canvas. You analyse theirs.

I’ll admit, I’ve felt a sense of envy before. It’s a natural human reaction, especially when you see someone else thriving in the same field you’re working to break into. But I’ve learned the hard way that letting envy drive the bus only leads to burnout. Ultimately, no one else possesses your unique voice, your personal experiences, or your distinctive vision. Why spend your energy trying to beat others when you could be spending it refining your own craft?

Growing Out of the “Playground Mentality”

Thinking about this took me back to my primary school days. I recall an environment where everything felt like a battle. There was always that one kid who would say, “You can’t draw like that,” or “My model is better than yours.”

Whether in sports or just general activities, competitiveness often spilled over into unnecessary drama. I remember watching fights break out over race results, game scores, or set tasks. A friend once asked me, “Who won?” after a particularly heated argument between two classmates, and I honestly couldn’t answer. I didn’t know, and frankly, I didn’t care. To me, the “win” felt irrelevant if it meant trading peace of mind for temporary ego boosts.

I feel competitiveness is a phase—a natural part of adolescence where we’re trying to figure out where we stand in the pack. But the keyword here is “phase”.

Choosing My Own Lane

Nowadays, I make a conscious effort to dodge the competitive mindset.

I’m aware that the film industry is incredibly competitive. But I refuse to let that reality turn me into someone who views peers as opponents. When I focus on writing, and making my projects happen, I’m not doing it to be “better” than any other filmmaker. I’m doing it to be better than the version of myself I was yesterday.

That shift—from “Who is doing better than me?” to “How can I get better at what I love?”—has kept me sane. It’s kept me creative, and more importantly, it’s kept me happy.

It’s also why I’ve spent less time on social media in recent times than I used to. I admit I meant to post my blog earlier this month. However, my focus on creativity, skillset, and necessary daily activities comes first—talk about competition.

So, here’s to Bill Gates for the bit of philosophy that reminded me why I’m here. I’m staying in my lane, working on my own craft, and honestly? It feels pretty good to be running my own race.