Why Your Only Competition Is Your Past Self

"Bound by love, strengthened by unity, and walking together through every chapter life brings."

By: Victor Mushimbami, 

Founder and Lead Blogger of Purpose Beyond Limits

Have you ever felt pressured to outdo others, whether at work, in ministry, or in life? It’s easy to fall into the trap of competition, comparing yourself to others and striving to be the best. But I’ve learned something profound: the only race worth running is the one against your past self.

Let me share what God has been teaching me about true growth and the power of focusing on the right competitor.

Competing with the Right Perspective

At every stage of life where God places me, I’ve noticed there’s always someone ahead of me. Instead of trying to compete for the number one spot, I’ve realized that my energy is better spent on becoming better than I was yesterday.

When people ask, “Do you have competitors?” my response is simple: “No, I don’t.”

Even if others see me as a competitor, I don’t see myself that way. My goal isn’t to outdo anyone else but to outdo my past self.

I’ve come to understand that:

My true competitor is my past.

Others are fellow travelers in life’s journey, and we can learn from one another.

As the Bible says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).

Growth: A Daily Pursuit

The real competition lives in our minds and our past. This realization motivates me to grow every day and become the person God has designed me to be. Here are some practical steps I follow for daily growth:

1. Feed on the Right Food

Immerse yourself in Scripture. God’s Word renews your mind and guides your steps.

2. Let God Lead

Trust in His plan and allow Him to direct your decisions and seasons of life.

3. Avoid Toxic Relationships

Surround yourself with people who inspire and encourage you rather than drag you down.

4. Compete with Your Past, Not People

Set personal goals that push you to be better than you were yesterday.

5. Practice What You Learn

Growth happens when you apply the lessons God teaches you in real life.

6. Embrace Every Opportunity

God places opportunities in your path for a reason. Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back.

7. Let Your Past Inspire You

Instead of dwelling on mistakes, use them as motivation to grow for God’s glory.

A Biblical Foundation for Growth

This perspective isn’t just practical, it’s deeply rooted in Scripture. The Bible reminds us that life is a journey of personal transformation:

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

These verses remind us that growth is about moving forward, not looking sideways at others.

Final Thoughts

The race of life isn’t about competing with others, it’s about becoming the person God has called you to be. So, who is your real competitor? It’s not the person sitting next to you or the one ahead of you. It’s the version of yourself from yesterday.

Each day is a new opportunity to reflect God’s glory more brightly than the day before. Focus on growth, trust in His plan, and let your life be a testimony to His grace and power.

Let’s Sharpen One Another

How has God been shaping your growth journey? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section. Let’s inspire each other, your story could be the iron that sharpens someone else’s today!