Trying to be the best

Ever since I was little, I believed that everything in life was a competition. A competition in which I was trying to prove myself to my friends, family, rivals, etc. I always strived to be the best in everything I did whether it was math, basketball, chess, or a simple race with someone. Although I did manage to be very good at everything I did, there was always someone who was better than me. I used to try so hard to beat those people however, I did not prevail. In a way, I was disappointed even though my teachers and friends were impressed at everything I did (ex. getting high grades, playing good basketball, etc.). But then as I thought about it one day back in 9th grade, I realized that if I want to get rid of my obsession of trying to be "the best" I have to stop trying to be "the best" and just accept myself for who I am. It's a reality in life that no matter how good you are at something, there is usually someone who is better. I convinced myself that in order to keep my sanity and my health, I have to stop trying to beat everyone else and just do my best at everything I do in life. I shouldn't let other people tell me how good I am at something and what I can and can't do in life. After all, I know myself better than anyone else. Maybe that's one thing I'm the best at, that I know myself more than anyone else even my parents. Now that I'm in college, I get the impression here that everyone's in a competition with the next guy. Everywhere I go I hear people say, "what you get? B, ha I got an A". I'm not saying competiton is a bad thing, it helps you become better and gives you a reason to strive. But you shouldn't be obsessed with trying to beat the next guy, instead if someone get's higher than you, congratulate them and tell them good job. It's not just academics, it's also in life in general. Some people tell me "my house is bigger than yours or my car is more expensive than yours", all I can do is sigh and say that's nice. I know that everyone is different and we all are unique at the things we do and some are better than others, but we should have a little bit of modesty once in a while and try not to bring someone else's self esteem down.