“Winning doesn’t always mean being first. Winning means you’re doing better than you’ve done before.”

By definition, the idea of winning means ultimate victory. It means coming first at something. But former Olympic speed skater, Bonnie Blair, once said that winning doesn’t necessarily mean being first, but rather doing better than before. This statement is not to say that striving to win is a bad thing. Instead, it’s about not forgetting to notice and celebrate personal growth. That growth, of doing better at something than before, can also be considered a win.

This mindset of winning can lead to feeling less discouraged and disappointed whenever you’ve done the best you can but don’t “win”. It also leads to less comparison to others, a greater focus on personal growth, and a better self-esteem.