Picture yourself on a track. 100 meters from where you stand to your destination. Look to your left. Look to your right. If your goal is to run those next 100 meters the fastest you possibly can, who would you want to race against? Do you think you’re running your fastest race with a group of slow runners, or do you think your race will be maximized if you’re competing against top tier sprinters?

There’s a sports cliché that goes something like you play up or down to your competition. When it comes to personal growth, the same can be true. The level we’re trying to reach can have a variety of perceived level of standards. If you’re beating a bunch of slow runners, are you maximizing who you’re trying to become? Or if you’re running and challenging yourself against the best, are you more likely to uncover who that better version of yourself is?

It’s uncomfortable and can be intimidating saying to yourself, I want to “compete” with the best. While the true competition is with who you were yesterday, it’s important to understand the models you may be trying to compete with as well. On that track towards becoming a better leader, better parent, better athlete, better [insert anything else], be mindful of who’s to the left and right. Be cautious settling for lower standards and take the uncomfortable challenges of taking on the best.

Take your step: consider one aspect of your life you’re striving for a better future. Take a look at where your standards are set. Are you settling for the easy race or are you taking the uncomfortable step of challenging yourself up against the best? It’s in each of us if we’re willing to push ourselves.