Competitive

Question: What is one area I can improve today by comparing my current performance to my past efforts?

My Story:

For Erin, competition has never been about beating others. It’s really about stretching herself to become better, stronger, and more fulfilled. One of her favorite quotes comes from Celine Dion: “I don’t compete with other people; I compete with myself.” That line has become a quiet mantra, one that’s shaped her life in ways both playful and profound.

As the oldest of four sisters, Erin’s competitive spirit began early. She and one sister in particular had an unspoken rivalry, not in a combative way, but in the kind of mutual push that brought out each other’s best. She didn’t think of herself as “competitive” back then, but looking back, the signs were clear. In school, she joined every club and activity that sparked her interest, not just out of curiosity, but also from a little FOMO. She didn’t want to miss a chance to learn something new. Her parents sometimes told her she was doing too much, but for Erin, the drive to stretch herself was just who she was.

That same spirit followed her into her career. Whether she was working with customers or sourcing the best products for them, Erin’s competitive energy showed up in her drive to do things well … and to do them right. She didn’t just want to meet expectations; she wanted to exceed them.

Now retired, Erin’s focus has turned inward once again. She’s channeling that same drive into new personal challenges: serving on two non-profit boards in her community, relearning Spanish, taking piano lessons, and honing her tennis skills.  For her, these activities aren’t about proving anything to others but about setting new challenges and feeling proud when she meets them.

Of course, the spark of competition still brings her joy.  Erin and her sisters now do the New York Times puzzles together, and that same sister from childhood remains her main rival. It’s all in good fun, but it still feels good to be the first one done.

For Erin, competition is less about outperforming others and more about outperforming the version of herself from yesterday. It’s the strength that keeps her learning, reaching, and evolving … at every stage of life.

"Competition, to me, isn’t about winning against others, it’s about proving to myself that I can grow, improve, and keep becoming a better version of who I was yesterday!"

- Erin