I’ve been reading an old biography of John McEnroe (Taming the Talent by Richard Evans, very good) one of the most competitive sportsmen ever.
Apparently he never forgave Borg for retiring -it was never as interesting after that and he didn’t have anyone spurring him on anymore.
Senna v Prost, Apple v IBM, Eastenders v Coronation Street, Jedi v Sith. In each case, they’ve had an enemy, someone to beat, a rival to keep them sharp, to measure themselves against, to help them keep getting better.
Who is your conceptual rival? Who gives you something to be different to? Who keeps on challenging you to get better? You don’t have to like them, but shouldn’t you appreciate them being there? Don’t they stop you getting complacent?
NORTHERN PLANNER 
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