January 2023 Issue
Good news, we're passed the point in January where we have to wish everyone we see a "Happy New Year!" Bad news, that doesn't mean we're past dealing with all the "New Year feels,” like hope, excitement...the all-consuming anxiety about what the f*ck we're doing with our business. I feel you!
It's also the time of year clients often confess that rather than diving headfirst into resolving their whirlpool of woes, they get sucked into mindless Insta-scrolling, only to come out of the deep end dripping in resentment of their industry friends. You know, the “friend” in their networking group who always seems to be sunning themselves on a fancy fam trip or basking in the glow of their recent “best of” list placement.
Whether a big fish in the industry pond fending off guppies nipping at their toes or a newbie swimming hard upstream to make a splash, it’s easy to get pulled into the depths of the comparison trap from time to time.
If you’ve ever struggled with a tidal wave of success-envy, consider the cautionary tale of Chad Le Cros. Who’s Chad Le Cros? Well, he was in the running to dethrone Michael Phelps back in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Le Cros felt it was his turn for glory and was focused on one thing only: what his opponent was doing.
While Chad attempted to intimidate his rival by shadowboxing like Rocky on the sidelines, Michael Phelps was “in the zone,” mentally preparing for greatness with the now-infamous #phelpsface expression.
When the buzzer sounded, Phelps stayed focused on his own race while Le Cros kept his eye on Phelps. It was a close race for all the swimmers, but in the end (spoiler), Michael Phelps slayed in his lane to take home the gold. Chad Le Cros came in 4th, losing precious seconds — and an Olympic medal — by turning his head to glance at his competitor in the next lane.
The moral of the story? You can't keep up the momentum to move forward if you’re continually side-eyeing the competition. Doing so will only leave you swimming in circles. You’ve got to keep your eyes on YOUR prize.
In a sea of “Chads,” be a Phelps.
PS – Want more tips on slaying in your lane and avoiding the dreaded comparison trap? Keep an eye out for our new feature landing in your inbox soon.
