“Stop winning too much.” This advice was given by renowned business expert and teacher, Marshall Goldsmith, who has coached over 80 major CEOs.
Successful people like to win. The downside is that we compete at everything. From golf to proving we are busier or had a worse day than our partner, we try to outdo others. Even when we tell someone, “No, I agree with you,” or, “I already know that,“ it is a form of proving we are smarter, we already know.
Notice how often you find yourself competing. I have clients who secretly set up competitions and the other person does not even know they are in one. In addition to your business competitors, do you set up competitions with your colleagues, friends, partner, kids or yourself? How is that serving you? How is it impacting the relationship?
Goldsmith recommends that before we speak, we stop, breathe and ask, “Is it worth it?” Even if you are right and have a need to win, “Is it worth it?” He recommends winning the big stuff, taking a deep breath and letting the rest go.
In the game of life, that is the way to truly win!