Competing to be 'the best' is a crowded, zero-sum game. A superior strategy is to find a niche where you can be the 'only' one doing what you do. Pursue the ideas that only you appreciate, because that is where you will face no competition and can create your most authentic and valuable work.

Instead of viewing a contemporary's breakthrough with jealousy, see it as tangible proof that such moments are possible. This reframes competition into inspiration, fueling the patience and hard work required to be fully prepared when your own opportunity arrives. The key is readiness, not rivalry.

Extraordinary success often comes not from a revolutionary idea, but from taking a simple concept—like hosting a cocktail party or building a vacuum—and applying an obsessive, world-class level of seriousness and craftsmanship to it. The 'what' matters less than the depth of commitment.

Most people slow down during holidays. By intentionally increasing your focus and effort during these 'separation seasons,' you can create a significant gap between you and your competition, much like driving on an empty highway at night.

Don't just work hard; work hard on your natural aptitudes. Life involves an "explore/exploit" tradeoff. First, experiment to discover what comes easier to you than to others. Then, exploit that advantage by applying intense effort, making you extremely difficult to compete with.

To succeed in any field, commit to creating 100 iterations (videos, sales calls) while improving one small thing each time. As YouTuber Mr. Beast notes, most people lack the seriousness to complete this. The few who do will build unstoppable momentum and won't need further advice.

When competing against a large incumbent, reframe the comparison away from company vs. company. Instead, frame it as you—the dedicated founder—versus their salaried, indifferent employee. This shifts the focus from resources to personal commitment, turning your small size into an advantage.

In any difficult pursuit, the majority of people will try, fail, and drop out. The key is recognizing that with every failure you endure and learn from, the line of competitors gets smaller. True advantage lies not in initial talent but in the willingness to get back in line repeatedly while others give up.

You aren't competing with people who are more talented; you're competing with those willing to put in more imperfect reps. Success requires showing up consistently and learning in public, while others wait on the sidelines to be 'good' before they start. The key is persistence through the awkward phase.