How do you measure your efforts? Some people neglect their talents by comparing themselves with others, saying: “If I can’t be Number 1, there is no point in taking part.” James Fixx, author of The Book of Running, described a remedy for this disease. He told a story that, roughly translated, went:

Great performers focus on ‘playing their own game’ and compete against themselves. Here are 3 ideas for being the best in your class.

1) You can start by defining what you do best.

Try tackling the exercise called Being the best in my class. Begin by describing the activities in which you deliver A’s, rather than B’s or C’s. For example, when you are cooking, gardening, teaching, selling, solving problems or whatever. Try completing the following sentence.

The things I do best – my ‘A’ talents - are:

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2) You can aim to be the best in your class.

Great performers feel a sense of duty towards their talent. How can you use your gifts? If you are good at singing, you may want to put more energy into using this strength - be it in a choir, a rock group or whatever. If you are good at teaching, find ways of passing-on your knowledge. Consider how you can become the best parent, musician, inventor, athlete or person you can be. Try completing the following sentence.

The things I can do to do my best
- and be the best in my class - are:

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3) You can encourage other people to be the best in their class.

How can you help others develop their natural talents? Many people still define themselves in relation to others - whether it is in terms of school results, body size, career or whatever. People can build on who they are, rather than worry about who they are not. A rose can become a better rose, it cannot become a daffodil. “Be who you are - only more so,” is the message. Try completing the following sentence.

The specific things I can do to encourage
people to be the best in their class are:

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