COMPETITIVE CACOPHONY

I apologize for not posting for some time. Now we are back!

Here we go! Not only do we have the election competition heating up, but did you stray out into the human free-for-all called 'Black Friday' last week or did you wait until 'Cyber Monday'?

Competition is at it's high point for the year! Candidates competing for your ear and heart. Retailers trying to reel you into their store or website. The Seahawks are attempting to repeat as NFC West champs and the Huskies are trying to not be demoted to a Division II A football program!! (And I'm a Husky fan!). The wrangling for your wallet and attention is at a fever pitch!

It made me think about the competitive things that happen in your life and my life on a more personal level like job advancement, time, rest, meeting the needs of not only yourself, but our families. There is a ton of competitive elements that comprise our every day existence.

The great coach of the dynasty making UCLA basketball teams; the Wizard of Westwood; the coach who would never, ever call the first time out in a game.....John Wooden....was no stranger to competition. He knew it well.

Coach Wooden always taught his players: "Be true to yourself." Be who you are. Be what you are. Work hard to better yourself and reach your potential, but never forget to "Be true to yourself."

Competition can either hone us into whom we are becoming or it can shove us into what we are not.

Be yourself. Continue to force yourself to become the best you can be, but don't do the competitive game of comparison and improper evaluation of self. The backdrop of others is never a good image to place yourself in front of. Rather, make your own picture. Create your own masterpiece. That was another John Woodenism.....'Make today a masterpiece.'

Compete against yourself. Make yourself achieve. The battle to be better than others is time wasted and energy unwisely used.

MTC!
Mark