In a world filled with constant competition and endless comparisons, the drive to outperform others often overshadows the most critical challenge of all—outperforming oneself. In both personal and professional life, success is often measured by how well we stack up against others. However, true growth and fulfillment come from competing against your past self and striving to be better today than you were yesterday.
This mindset shift—from external to internal competition—can transform your approach to self-improvement. Here’s how you can "play better" and outscore who you were yesterday.
1. Set Personal Benchmarks, Not Just Goals
Most people are familiar with setting goals, but personal benchmarks are what truly allow you to track progress. While goals are the destinations you aim for, benchmarks are the specific, measurable steps along the way. Establishing benchmarks provides a clear vision of where you are now and where you need to go.
For instance, if your goal is to become more proficient at a skill, benchmark your current ability. Track your progress daily or weekly, and celebrate the small victories. By doing so, you focus on your journey of self-improvement rather than constantly comparing yourself to others.
2. Embrace the Power of Reflection
Reflection is the key to understanding where you’ve been and how far you’ve come. At the end of each day, take a few minutes to reflect on your actions, decisions, and outcomes. Ask yourself: What did I do well today? Where can I improve? What did I learn?
This practice not only helps you recognize areas for growth but also reinforces your commitment to outscore your previous self. Regular reflection will keep you grounded, focused, and motivated to keep playing better.
3. Cultivate a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset, as coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. This mindset contrasts with a fixed mindset, where individuals believe their abilities are static and unchangeable.
To play better and outscore who you were yesterday, embrace challenges as opportunities to grow rather than threats to your self-worth. Understand that setbacks are a natural part of progress and that persistence is the key to improvement. This shift in perspective allows you to stay committed to personal development and continuous self-improvement.
4. Practice Deliberate Action
Intentional practice—often referred to as deliberate practice—requires focusing on areas that need improvement rather than simply going through the motions. This method of practice is more effective than aimless repetition because it targets specific weaknesses and works to strengthen them.
Whether you're working on a skill, developing a new habit, or improving a certain aspect of your life, deliberate action pushes you to challenge your limits. By doing so, you are actively playing better and moving closer to outscoring your past self.
5. Focus on Habits Over Results
While results are important, habits are what sustain progress over the long term. Develop daily habits that align with your goals and benchmarks. These habits create the foundation for continuous improvement and help you remain consistent in your efforts to play better.
For example, if you want to become healthier, prioritize habits like exercising regularly, eating nutritious meals, and getting enough sleep. Over time, these habits will lead to noticeable improvements in your well-being, helping you outscore who you were yesterday.
6. Celebrate Incremental Wins
Acknowledging small victories is essential in maintaining motivation. Celebrate every step forward, no matter how small it may seem. These moments of success provide positive reinforcement, keeping you energized and focused on your journey.
When you celebrate incremental wins, you shift your focus from the daunting distance between where you are and where you want to be, to the progress you’ve already made. This keeps you engaged and eager to keep playing better.
7. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences
The people you spend time with have a significant impact on your mindset and motivation. Surround yourself with individuals who support your growth and encourage you to be your best self. Positive influences can provide valuable feedback, offer encouragement during challenging times, and celebrate your successes with you.
Conversely, distance yourself from negativity and toxic comparisons. Focus on relationships that foster mutual growth and understanding.
8. Accept Failure as a Learning Opportunity
Failure is inevitable on the path to improvement, but how you perceive and respond to it makes all the difference. Instead of seeing failure as a setback, view it as a valuable learning experience. Analyze what went wrong, identify areas for improvement, and apply those lessons moving forward.
When you accept failure as part of the process, you free yourself from the fear of making mistakes. This liberating mindset enables you to take risks, push your limits, and ultimately, outscore your past self.
9. Stay Committed to the Journey
Finally, remember that self-improvement is a lifelong journey, not a destination. There will be days when progress feels slow or non-existent, but perseverance is key. Stay committed to playing better each day, knowing that every small effort contributes to long-term growth.
Outscoring who you were yesterday is not about perfection but about progress. It’s about taking one step forward, no matter how small, and continuously striving to be the best version of yourself.
"Play Better! Outscore Who You Were Yesterday" is an online course offered by Gamifyze.com, a company that specializes in elevating strategic playfulness. This course guides participants through developing their unique 'Swagger Vault,' a resource for building confidence and personal flair. It also includes an 'Execution Station,' functioning as an action hub for implementing your goals, and offers strategies to eliminate the 'Firing Squad'—those doubts, fears, and insecurities that hold you back.
Comments