Friday, September 25, 2009

competition...


Because I'm number one, competition is none
I'm measured with the heat that's made by sun
Whether playin ball or bobbin in the hall
I'm just writin my name in graffiti on the wall
You shouldn't have told me you said you control me
So now a contest is what you owe me

Rakim "My Melody"

I was listening to this song and this verse was on "repeat" in my head. Competition is none...

None!

Rakim meant that!

The more that I thought about it...i had to ask myself..."is there any competition for you?"

You'd be surprised with the answer that I came up with. No! There is no competition. Some may think that it's an egotistical, arrogant, and bold statement. Actually, it is. The way that I see things...I'm not in competition with anybody in all facets of life. I am an extremely competitive person. I've always been. But there is no competition.

I remember being in competition with my crew when we were in high school. Back then, the competition was to get the best grades. It was subtle but we tried to outdo each other at times. Positive peer pressure...that's what i call it. After those years, the competition flowed inward. Even athletically when i was in college, it wasn't about being better than the next dude. It was about how well I could be and how far I could push myself.

As life as evolved, I've realized that people will try to box you into what they THINK you should be. You know...you should have this kinda job...this kind car...this kinda house...this kinda spouse...this number of kids...blah, blah, blah. If you realize where the real competition is, then you can't be boxed in. By most people's standards, I'm doing well in life with what I've accomplished thus far. But I don't get into all of that. I ain't Jay Z or Lebron James. I'm not in competition with them either. I'm not in competition to live their lifestyle nor to own their worldly possessions. I'm not in competition with anybody...about anything. Not even this blog...because there is no competition to this blog (lol)...truth be told.

The competition lies within. It's about the drive to be who you are. It's about being better than you were yesterday. It's about trying to be better the next day. It's all about forward progression. But the drive, desire, motivation, hustle, ambition, energy, and positive thinking...comes from within.

And there is nobody that can compete with what YOU have within YOU.

8 comments:

Keith said...

I so feel you on this...I am a competitive person by nature..I competed with my brother most of my life for grades, our mother's affection and approval, our dad's admiration...the girl next door , what have you..We didn't stop that stuff until we were about 17 or 18..We realized it was fruitless..Then I was competing with cats out in the street for girls, for the best job, for the rep and street cred,what have you...We all were driving each other crazy...I guess you have to grow up and get to a state of mind where you are comfortable in your own skin...Took me about 40 good years...Great Post Man!

Solomon said...

I feel you on this one 12kyle. It is definitely all about what you have going on inside. I have everything I need on the inside, and when I feel like this I don't care so much when there is a bump in the road and something doesn't go as planned.

I know a whole lot of dudes that look like they have it together on the outside. They have all the good looking 'things'. But I'll tell you what, I guarantee that most of these dudes are dying inside but would never admit it.

If I got what I need inside I can always aquire what is needed on the outside. If I'm not taken care of what's on the inside and I've got all the material things that everyone expects a brother to have and I look good, I have nothing because I'm running on empty internally.

Rashan Jamal said...

Gotta love the Rakim quotes... they have a way of sticking in your head on repeat.

Did a personality test at work and my number one trait was "competitive." I never really thought I was (except when I used to battle rap in high school), but then I do like to be the best, so I guess it was right.

♥ CG ♥ said...

Well said, my friend.

SincerelyGo said...

Hi *guys* yep I believe there's nothing wrong with a little healthy competition but yes you are right about competition in the sense of this post! I AM my biggest competition against who I am and who I want to be! Let the race begin!

Sincerely,

Go

Anonymous said...

Competition is crazy. I've always felt like I had/needed to be the best, but in doing so I've come to find that I inadvertently alienate those around me. Sometimes because of my own thoughts of their inability to match up, I just chose not to be bothered with them.

It's not worth it to take competition to that level. It makes for a lonely life.

You are right, the only competition that is real or worthwhile is the one that is within. Anything outside of that is deceptive and self destructive.

Angel said...

I love it, the only competition is within me.

...they call me "L" said...

OMG Kyle, thanks for the pep talk. I always need those on Mondays :-)