The athlete's curse

Something to think about.

As an athlete,  we strive to be the best. But I will ask the question, "The best at what?"

During the Crossfit open i see athletes constantly battling with themselves.  So i remind everyone to ask that same question. What do I want to be the best at?

For me, it's just better than yesterday. With my busy work schedule and hectic life, for me, I just want to be able to show up and finish... better than yesterday.

For others,  it's just about being the best at that moment... that one moment where they didnt think they could, but they did!

And yet I still see people beating themselves up because somebody else finished and ended up doing better than them. Maybe a faster time, maybe a heavier weight, maybe even the best! But if you are already doing your best, why do you feel defeated?
This type of Social Comparison can lead to the resentment of others, the resentment of your training methods,  and the resentment of your own life. In basic terms, it is "toxic" thinking.

In the Bible Paul said to the Galtlatians:

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
~Galatians 1:10

Sometimes we forget that our main mission in life or at work or in the gym is not to please others around you or compare yourself to what other are or aren't doing. Our main mission in life and work and everywhere is to be a servant of Christ!

And I can tell you this... I dont feel like much of a servant of Christ when I am beating myself up over my recent Crossfit open score. Because I know now... after reflection... that I am not doing anyone any good comparing myself to others and worrying about what others think about me!