Stop Worrying About the Competition: Your Grass is Just Fine

Here’s a truth that’s easy to forget: Your grass doesn’t get greener by staring at the grass on the other side. Whether you're running a marketing agency, shooting photos, or managing social media, focusing on what everyone else is doing isn’t going to help you grow. The key to success is paying attention to your own yard—your business—and making it the best it can be.

The Grass Isn’t Greener Over There

As creatives, it’s tempting to look at the videographer booking big clients or the agency with the massive social following and think, “Why isn’t that me?” But here’s the thing: comparing yourself to others won’t make your grass any greener. Instead, focus on what you’re doing, how you can improve it, and how you can add more value to your work.

My grandpa owns a Christmas tree farm, and when people hear another farm might open nearby, they ask him if he’s worried. His answer? “I’m not worried about what the competition is doing. We’re going to do what we do, and we’re going to do it well.” He doesn’t stress about the other farm; he focuses on growing the best trees and delivering a great experience. This mindset? It works for business, too.

Don’t Compete, Focus on Quality

Cutting your prices or overloading your schedule won’t help you win clients in the long run. Being cheaper doesn’t make you better. Instead, focus on the quality of your work. If you’re a creative, invest in refining your style or upgrading your gear. If you run a marketing agency, refine your niche and deepen client relationships. Don’t waste time trying to “beat” someone else—invest that energy into your own craft.

Reframe Your Yard

Maybe it’s time to rethink what success even looks like. Do you need a perfect green lawn? Or can you focus on what works for your business, like offering unique, high-quality services that don’t require you to compete head-to-head with everyone else? Sometimes the key to success is refining what you’re doing, not trying to keep up with others.

Focus on What You’re Doing—And Do It Well

At the end of the day, the best way to compete is to focus on what you’re doing and make it the best it can be. My grandpa’s farm is successful because he focuses on what he does well, not on what the other farms are doing. The same goes for your business. The more you focus on improving your own work and offering real value, the less you’ll worry about the competition.

So stop stressing about what others are doing and focus on your own growth. Make your grass greener by doing your work with care and excellence.