I admit that I have a competitive streak (very, very big streak) and collaboration is like a four letter word. My husband is continually calling me on it. I have a hard time sharing my ideas for fear someone will steal or get the scoop on it.
To those bloggers, entrepreneurs and 9to5’ers who may have a similar character trait… there IS room for everyone! Yes, a competitive spirit is healthy and necessary but it shouldn’t paralyze you. You are unique and your brand will resonate with a unique audience and that’s what you want! Get into the field you are passionate about even if it looks crowded! Collaborate freely! And most importantly, be yourself! The rest will follow.
I met so many lovely people at the conference who all write about fitness & health. I was overwhelmed at the meet and greet. I felt that everyone was so much further along in their blogging and business journey than me AND to make matters worse, they were fitter, too. I was able to talk myself off the competition ledge long enough to grasp the truth that we each had our own unique perspective and could only grow from the opportunity getting to know each other. From there, I was completely relaxed and had a MARVELOUS time! I even asked for advice and offered some up too.
I’m still competitive but I see the benefit of reaching out to others in the health and fitness community. More importantly, my time at the conference helped me to appreciate my voice and role within this vibrant community.
So, are you highly competitive?
– Kareen, MPH, RD
p.s. Happy Canada Day!
My passion is to inspire others to live their best nutritional life!
Kathryn Stiles
July 1, 2012
I am competitive too, but even more than that, I am always hungry and love to eat!! I get the same feeling when I look at Cleveland clinic’s web site, facebook page (72K likes!) and their Pintrest boards. Yikes, they are light years ahead of where I am with marketing the hospital, yet I envisioned most of what they are doing. Augh!! I just have to take a deep breath and take small steps toward getting there. And have to have some perspective on time and resources and priorities. Kareen, you are doing just awesome work even though I know you want to do so much more!
iameatingright
July 1, 2012
Thanks for sharing about your competitive side. You, too, are doing an amazing job AND that’s considering that the hospital has only be open for a year. You’ve built quite a community of support.
Alexandra Williams (@Alexandrafunfit)
July 1, 2012
I don’t think I’m competitive until I see someone beating me at something I could do. But if it’s something that’s not my interest, then no. In other words, do you want to do a push-up challenge? I didn’t know you were intimidated at first. I thought you were totally fabulous and I am glad to have met you. We can all learn from each other. And I feel good inside when I’m able to offer assistance.
iameatingright
July 2, 2012
Push-up challenge?!? I’m in:) I, too, was glad to meet you and everyone else. You and your sis were awesome with answering my questions!
DSTPRL
July 5, 2012
I can be competitive but have tempered that over the years because it was also causing me undue stress. Now I try to let more of my Type B personality come through but I am a hard-driving Type A all day long if I left it unleashed. LOL
iameatingright
July 5, 2012
Yes! Let’s embrace our Type B side 🙂
elle @ fitness bloggers
July 9, 2012
I’m the same as Alexandra – I’m generally only competitive when it’s something I know I’ll win at :p Okay, so that’s not quite the case. It was a delight to meet you at FHBC! Thanks so much for coming and representing WeGo!
iameatingright
July 9, 2012
Thanks for stopping by Elle. I can’t wait till next year!