Discovering Your Competitive Edge: Winning Strategies from Life and Beyond

When people tell me they’re “just not competitive,” I can’t help but smile. It’s a common belief that competition is only relevant in sports or business. But competition is embedded in the DNA of life itself—it’s everywhere. Whether it’s a mom fiercely cheering for her son at a basketball game or a professional jockeying for position in a crowded field, competition fuels growth.

And here’s the thing: competition isn’t something to shy away from. It’s something to embrace.

The Art of Gaining the Edge

Competition isn’t about grand moves; it’s often about mastering the smallest details. Watching professional marathon runners taught me this. Despite running 26.2 miles, they jockey for the best starting position as if it’s the last sprint. Why? Because they know every small advantage adds up.

Similarly, success in life, work, or relationships comes from mastering the nuances of what you do. Breaking your craft into building blocks is the first step. Pablo Picasso, a master artist, famously said on his deathbed, “I’m just now starting to understand the building blocks of my profession.”

Even after a lifetime of reinvention and creation, he was still refining. That relentless pursuit of growth is where greatness begins.

Step 1: Know Yourself

To find your competitive edge, you must start with self-awareness. My sister, a brilliant researcher with multiple degrees, and I have vastly different approaches to our work. She dives deep into data; I craft relatable stories to inspire action.

Neither style is better—it’s about knowing what works for us individually. She’s an analytical trainer; I’m a parable-driven keynote speaker. The key? We both double down on our strengths.

Knowing yourself is critical. It’s not about becoming someone else or adopting a strategy that doesn’t align with who you are. It’s about refining what already makes you unique.

Step 2: Focus on the Details

Mastery lies in the details. Take Bryson DeChambeau, the U.S. Open golf champion, as an example. Before a match, he places his golf balls in Epsom salt to identify any imperfections. This ensures every ball rolls perfectly, eliminating any slight misalignment that could cost him a win.

That level of detail may seem extreme, but it’s those small nuances that separate the good from the great.

Ask yourself:

• How can you break down your craft into micro-steps?
• What small tweaks can you make to improve?
• How can you refine your process to become unstoppable?

For me, it’s layering psychology and research into my talks, making my stories “sticky” and impactful for audiences.

Step 3: Embrace Relentless Improvement

The worst thing you can do is believe you’ve mastered something. True greatness comes from constantly refining, learning, and evolving.

Legendary athletes don’t take off-seasons lightly. They return with new skills, surprising fans and opponents alike. Similarly, you must approach your career, relationships, or passion with a mindset of continuous improvement.

Step 4: Close the Back Door

A mentor once told me, “When you set up shop, close the back door behind you before letting the world in.” What he meant was this: someone is always working to outpace you. Don’t waste time waiting.

Shut the door behind you, focus on your craft, and be ready to win when you step into the spotlight.

Competition isn’t about crushing others; it’s about unlocking your full potential. Find your edge by knowing yourself, focusing on details, and committing to relentless improvement.

And remember—every step you take toward refining your craft brings you closer to becoming legendary. So shut the door behind you, step out the front, and take your place in the winner’s circle.