You vs. You: The Only Competition That Really Matters
Are you constantly comparing yourself to others? At the gym, at work, or online and feeling like you never measure up? You’re not alone, and that endless comparison trap is one of the biggest killers of confidence and progress. In this powerful post, John Adams the creator of Living95 breaks down the life-changing mindset of “You vs. You” and reveals why your only real competition is the version of yourself from yesterday. Instead of chasing someone else’s highlight reel, you’ll learn 5 proven strategies to stop self-sabotage, break free from negative self-comparison, and finally start measuring success the right way. From identifying your real opponent, to setting process goals that actually stick, to celebrating small daily wins that build unstoppable momentum, this post gives you the practical tools to silence the excuses and take back control of your health, career, and relationships. If you’ve ever asked yourself “Why do I feel like I’m not good enough?”, “How do I stop comparing myself to others?” or “Why can’t I stay consistent?” this is the mindset shift you need.
John Adams
8/16/20252 min read
You vs. You: The Only Competition That Really Matters
We live in a world obsessed with competition. Who has more followers? Who looks better at the gym? Who’s making more money? It’s easy to believe success is about beating other people.
But here’s the truth: the biggest competition in your life isn’t out there, It’s in the mirror.
Why “You vs. You” Changes Everything
Some of the biggest lessons in my life have come when I finally stopped and took my own advice. Like most people, I’ve fallen into the trap of comparing myself to others, their polished podcasts, slick studios, massive followings. I was spending more time looking sideways than moving forward.
And then it hit me: I wasn’t losing to them. I was losing to the version of me that forgot his why.
The day you realize your real competition is the version of yourself from yesterday, that’s the day things start to change.
5 Keys to Winning the “You vs. You” Battle
1. Identify Your Real Opponent
It’s not the market, the scale, or someone else’s success. Your real opponent is the part of you that chooses comfort over progress, the snooze button, the “I’ll start Monday” voice.
2. Audit Your Excuses
Excuses aren’t always loud. Sometimes they sound reasonable: I’m too tired. I’ll do it tomorrow. Write them down, and you’ll see a pattern, they’re negotiations to stay the same.
3. Measure Against Yesterday, Not Someone Else’s Today
Competition can motivate you, but it can also keep you stuck. Stop skipping working out or holding back on your dreams because someone else looks more polished. Your only scoreboard is how far you’ve come since yesterday.
4. Set Process Goals, Not Just Outcome Goals
Instead of saying I want to lose 20 pounds, focus on what you can control today, I’ll walk 20 minutes or I’ll drink one more glass of water. Process goals create momentum, and momentum builds success.
5. Win Small, Win Often
Big wins are rare. Small wins: "choosing water, hitting publish, getting out of bed when you didn’t want to", are everywhere. Stack enough of them, and one day you’ll realize you’ve already won the war.
Final Thought
Every time you choose the harder right over the easier wrong, you win against the version of you that wants to stay comfortable.
You’re not here to beat anyone else. You’re here to beat your last best effort. Show up for you, because no one else can run your race.
Join the Movement
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And if this hit home for you, share it with someone else who needs it today. You never know who might not be hitting their full potential because they are to busy comparing themselves to everyone else.
👉 Want to dive deeper? Catch the full conversation in Episode 30 of the Health, Tech & Wellness Podcast: “How To Beat The Only Thing Holding You Back!” A deep dive at why your only true competition is You vs You.
