Walking across a vast grassy plain at the height of summer, a young man met his old friend.

“You look tired my young companion.”

“Yes, I am. Work is difficult. I want promotion because it would pay for the new car.”

“So, chase the promotion.”

“That is precisely what I’m doing, but the competition is great.”

“There is no competition my young friend.”

“Yes, there is. As far as I know, I am one of five internal candidates and I don’t know how many externals.”

“No, you are the only competition. What do you wish to prove?”

The young man glanced at his friend. “Is it not obvious? I have to show them I am the best.”

“Indeed, you can show them that you are great at what you do. But, what if they seek to expand the team with somebody who has complimentary skills to yours? Or, they want a woman instead of a man. These are things outside your control. As I said, you are the competition, and that is only if you aim to be better. Then I agree, there is much competition.”

“Other people who want the job see me as their competition.”

“Yes, I am sure they do and that is because you make them feel insecure. They wish to eclipse your sun because they’re jealous of your daylight. They compare themselves to you, but you are not their competition, nor them yours.”