By David Tepera, January 20, 2022

We all have a competitive spirit born within us. In my opinion, it’s one of the reasons the world continues to evolve and progress.

With every invention, someone wanted to be the first — just like the Wright brothers were the first to fly or when America and Russia competed to be first in space. Of course, the list is endless.

How about you? When you were younger, what all did you compete in? Was it sports, band, dance, performing arts, etc.?

If you really think back to your competitions, more than likely, you lost more than you won. When learning and practicing the activity you chose, each day was a progression of failure. It’s the only way to get better and climb your way up.

There’s not one professional athlete or CEO who hasn’t been knocked down, embarrassed and defeated. But, how did they rise to the top? Because they got up and tried one more time.

Now, hopefully, those early years of competition have played over into your adult life. What are you competing in today? Are you currently happy with your job position? Don’t you want the raise or promotion? How would the extra income impact you and your family?

So, who’s your competition? Is it other coworkers? No, the only competition you have is yourself. If you really want to win, then get up early and stay later.

Before Tina and I won our pro cards as physique champions, we lost many competitions. But, with each competition, we learned our weaknesses and would try one more time.

What’s holding you back? You’re not too old, unattractive or broke. Your problem could be lack of confidence or fear of failure. Quit worrying about what others think. If people say negative things about you, it’s because they’re jealous. Besides, I’m sure they have their own list of problems.

Today will be the day you decided to change your life. Yes, you’ve experienced defeat and it hurt. But, don’t let that be your identity. Don’t let that person or situation keep your down. You’re better than that because you’re beautiful, ambitious and ready take on another challenge.

This is your life ,and you control the outcome. It’s time to get up and try one more time.