End of year. Preparing for a New Year. Most leaders are busy with some kind of measuring stick. Prepping year-end financials, pulling reports together, getting reviews done…Not always exciting work – but expected. Important. If used well – helpful.

I believe in measuring sticks. I’ve spent a lifetime in athletics and training. Athletes who use metrics are usually the ones who see the biggest gains. Athletes who just wander into a gym, or onto a track – do some work, for some time, and then wander back out when they feel “done” just don’t see the same kinds of gains. This is simply because the first set of athletes have an objective measurement to help them know when they are done, if they have improved, if this regimen is producing results – independent of how they felt. And it helps them track progress and gain insights into what influences performance over time.

Measurements are helpful. Most of the time.

But there is one metric that is not helpful.

It’s not just unhelpful. It is counter-productive. It often leads to decreased performance.

What is it? Measuring, or comparing yourself, to someone else. When we compare ourselves to others, it almost invariably leads to arrogance, jealousy, dissatisfaction, or self-image issues. What it doesn’t tend to lead to is personal (or organizational) growth. It definitely doesn’t lead to the ability to sustainably enjoy a sense of success or peace.

Sure, if you score big for a while, you might feel good. But, how long can you hold onto that good feeling?

This year – don’t measure yourself against someone else.

The athletes who perform at the highest level – focus their competition inwards. They want to be better than they were yesterday. Athletes that struggle tend to be fixated on someone else. Perhaps surprisingly, most of these athletes will never actually even compete. Because they are so sure they won’t be the Greatest Of All Time, they don’t even try to be their Best Self Yet.

Of course, some do. But those who do struggle so much more – because their identity and self-worth become so closely tied to whether or not they are the best.

Now, I practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s not like running a marathon. Where the guy limping in at the end might receive applause and a medal just for finishing. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu there is no “finishing.” You either win or you don’t. And when you don’t win – it’s often inglorious. So, of course I want to win my matches in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Who wants to get choked out?

I’ve learned I don’t perform at my highest level if I’m focused on being “better” than my opponent. But I do reach my highest levels when I focus on being better than I was last time I competed. Win or lose.

This year, notice if you tend to compare yourself against someone else. Ask yourself, what is this comparison stirring up in me right now? Is that helpful? Does thinking this way serve me (or others) well? Does this kind of comparison cause growth?

I don’t know how this year has gone for you or how you are assessing things right now. I don’t know if you would give yourself high or low marks. But however you score yourself, here are three questions to help you shape the coming year:

• What is the one area of personal growth or progress that will make the biggest difference?
• What is the most important thing that I can start, stop, or change to make this happen?
• What do I need to do next to get started?

My hope for you is a peaceful and prosperous 2021. But even if you experience challenges and struggles, may you become a stronger, healthier, and more able leader as a result.

Happy New Year,

Christian

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