For most of my life, I felt like I was running a race against everyone else. I measured myself against other people—their successes, their beauty, their accomplishments—and wondered if I’d ever be enough. Social media made it worse, with its endless highlight reels that made me feel like I was falling short.

But one day, something clicked. I realized I wasn’t running their race. I was running my own. And the only person I needed to compete with was the woman I was yesterday.

Since then, I’ve shifted my focus inward. Every day, I wake up and ask myself, What can I do to be just a little better today? It’s not about massive leaps; it’s about the small, consistent steps that add up over time. Can I show more kindness today? Can I push myself a little harder in my goals? Can I embrace patience when things don’t go my way?

It’s not always easy. Some days, I stumble. Some days, the woman I was yesterday seems far ahead of me. But I don’t let that stop me. I use those moments to reflect, to learn, and to grow.

This mindset has freed me. I no longer look sideways, wondering how I measure up. My energy is focused on one thing: becoming the best version of myself. And every time I look back, I see a trail of growth, of progress, of victories—big and small.

I’ve stopped chasing perfection, and I’ve started chasing improvement. Because the only competition that matters is with the woman I was yesterday. And every day, I aim to outdo her—not out of pressure, but out of love for the person I’m becoming.