As a research intern at Cambridge and an incoming student at UChicago, I've learned a thing or two about competing with others. BUT it's not what you think - I'm actually using this practice to improve myself in constructive ways. Here's how:

I know comparison can be tempting, especially in a competitive environment like the one I'm in at Lady Shri Ram College.

I'm a research intern at Cambridge and everyone in the lab is more skilled and knowledgeable than me.

I’m an incoming student at UChicago and I’ll take classes alongside PhD students, who are likely to know more than me.

But you know what, I don't spend a single moment comparing myself to them for the wrong reasons.

Instead, I focus 100% of my time on comparing myself to them for the right reasons - the constructive reasons.

Mark Manson believes that comparing ourselves to others for constructive reasons can help us to see where we stand, understand our strengths and weaknesses, and learn from the experiences of others.

I spend my time on learning from my competitors, being inspired by them, and, trying to improve myself. And you know what? It's paid off in terms of Master’s acceptance and internships.

But most importantly, I've found mental peace and a sense of contentment.

And you know who my competitor is? After all, I’m an incoming student at the University of Chicago, a research intern at Cambridge, whom can I think of as my competitor?

The answer? Everyone. Everyone is my competitor. I can learn something from every single person out there, and they can learn something from me (good things hopefully).

I keep a mindset that I’m out there in the world to learn from everyone. And to compare myself for constructive reasons.