Issue No. 83

When Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history, was at the peak of his career, he was once asked how he managed to stay so focused amidst the constant buzz of competition. His answer was simple but profound: “I stay in my lane.” It wasn’t just a comment about swimming; it was a reflection of how he approached life. While others analyzed his times, dissected his strokes, or tried to predict his next move, Phelps kept his attention on himself—his training, his preparation, and the small improvements he worked tirelessly to achieve every single day. He didn’t waste energy worrying about what others were doing because he understood that comparison is the fastest way to distraction. His commitment to this mindset helped him dominate a sport where the margins for error are razor-thin, and every fraction of a second counts.

This story is more than just an anecdote about a swimming legend. It’s a metaphor for how we can approach life in our own “lanes.” In today’s world, it feels almost impossible not to compare ourselves to others. Social media offers a curated highlight reel of everyone’s achievements, careers, relationships, and milestones. It’s tempting to look at these snapshots and wonder if we’re falling behind. Are we working hard enough? Achieving fast enough? Living well enough? But this obsession with measuring ourselves against others can rob us of the joy of our own progress. Life, much like swimming, isn’t about glancing over at the next lane—it’s about perfecting your own stroke and trusting the rhythm of your journey.

The more energy you spend watching others, the less energy you have to devote to yourself. Winners, like Phelps, focus on their goals and what they can control. They stay locked in on their growth, their challenges, and their victories—no matter how small. Losers, on the other hand, waste time and energy looking at others, comparing, and letting jealousy or insecurity cloud their vision. By keeping your focus inward, you avoid falling into the trap of comparison and allow yourself to fully commit to what matters.

The truth is, everyone’s path is unique. What works for one person may not work for another. Some people find success early, while others bloom later. Some build their lives through trial and error, while others seem to follow a clear trajectory. Comparing yourself to someone else’s progress is like comparing apples to oranges—it doesn’t make sense. You don’t know their struggles, their sacrifices, or the full context of their journey. What looks effortless from the outside often hides years of unseen effort or hardship. The only real competition is with yourself, and the sooner you accept that, the freer you’ll feel.

The beauty of this perspective lies in focusing on your small steps forward. It’s easy to overlook those little victories, especially when they don’t seem monumental in the moment. But those small wins—completing a task, hitting a personal milestone, sticking to a new habit—are the building blocks of long-term success. They may not feel flashy or share-worthy, but they matter. Every step forward, no matter how small, is still progress. And when you learn to celebrate those moments, you build a sense of pride and confidence that comparison can never take away.

Michael Phelps didn’t win 28 Olympic medals by looking at the swimmer next to him. He succeeded because he understood the power of consistent effort and self-belief. That same principle applies to anything you’re working toward. Whether you’re building a career, nurturing relationships, or working on personal growth, the key is to stay focused on what you can do today to be better than you were yesterday. It’s not about perfection; it’s about persistence.

Of course, this isn’t always easy. It takes conscious effort to redirect your focus when everyone around you seems to be moving faster or achieving more. There will be moments of doubt and frustration when progress feels slow or invisible. But in those moments, remind yourself that growth is rarely linear. It’s messy, unpredictable, and deeply personal. Trust that the work you’re putting in—no matter how small or mundane it may feel—is building something greater.

By minding your own business and staying in your lane, you create space for joy, authenticity, and fulfillment. You free yourself from the pressure of trying to live up to someone else’s idea of success. Your path may not look like anyone else’s, and that’s exactly what makes it meaningful. Embrace the small victories, the quiet progress, and the unique rhythm of your life. When you stop looking around and start looking within, you’ll find a happiness that comparison could never offer.

Stay in your lane and mind your own business. Everything else is a waste of time.

Until next week,