[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$ffCLH6qe0aeFqGh1B54Jp-zZSljfFpoX10pIj013ejC8":3,"$fJQY3iyBlNQ1OnQM4NS4KbtQWi9olLEhcSx_KLxbbdSY":12},{"author":4,"tags":11},{"author_id":5,"author_name":6,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"bio":9,"short_bio":9,"slug":10,"image_url":9},101118,"Anita Waggoner","A",1,null,"anita-waggoner",[],{"quotes":13,"pagination":28},[14],{"id":15,"quote_text":16,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":19,"source":20,"quote_tag":21,"commentary":27},775515,"Success is most often a matter of competing with yourself for what is important to you as an individual.",2,true,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[22],{"id":23,"tag":24},3649169,{"id":25,"tag_name":26},36503,"western-romance","**The Backstory**\n\nThis quote is often attributed to Anita Waggoner, an American author and speaker known for her insights on personal growth and self-improvement. While the exact origin of the quote is unclear, it resonates with the era of self-help literature that emerged in the mid-20th century, when Waggoner was active in promoting motivational thinking.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\n\nAt first glance, this quote seems to suggest a focus on individual goals and achievements. However, upon closer inspection, it reveals a more nuanced understanding of success. The key phrase \"competing with yourself\" implies that true success lies not in external validation or comparison with others but rather in the internal struggle to align one's actions and values.\n\n**How to Use This**\n\nIn applying this mindset today, professionals can benefit from setting personal goals that align with their core values, rather than striving for external recognition. By focusing on intrinsic motivation and self-improvement, they can create a sense of purpose and direction that transcends mere achievement.\n\nAs a behavioral psychologist, I would note that this quote speaks to the importance of **intrinsic motivation** in driving personal growth and success. By framing success as an internal competition, Waggoner encourages individuals to focus on their own development and values, rather than external validation or comparison with others. This mindset can help professionals cultivate a sense of purpose and direction that is less susceptible to the fluctuations of external circumstances.",{"currentPage":8,"totalPages":8,"totalItems":8,"itemsPerPage":29},10]