There was a point in my career when watching others rise quickly made me question my own progress. It’s easy to slip into comparison mode. We all do it at times.
But here’s what changed everything for me: I stopped using other people’s milestones as a measure of my own. Instead, I started paying attention to what mattered for my journey.
Here’s what helped:
1. From Comparison to Connection
I shifted my thinking. Others’ wins weren’t threats. They were opportunities to learn, build relationships and grow my network. That mindset opened doors and turned peers into trusted allies.
2. Define Success Your Way
Someone else’s goal doesn’t have to be yours. I asked myself, “What does a meaningful career look like for me?” The answer reshaped my path and made my progress feel far more rewarding.
3. There’s Enough Room for Everyone
Success isn’t limited. Being around ambitious people raised the bar for me. I stopped competing and started being inspired.
4. Aim for Progress, Not Perfection
Trying to get everything perfect held me back. Focusing on consistent improvement did the opposite. Momentum builds when you celebrate each step forward.
A question that stuck with me: What if others’ success could fuel you rather than shake you?
That shift helped me stop looking sideways and start moving with purpose.
How do you approach success stories around you? Do they push you forward or hold you back? – Ali Aydan
Ali Aydan: How I Stopped Competing and Started Growing
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