Hey Reader,
You’ve built quite an empire.
You’re making your mark in the market space.
But sometimes you’re worried about the rising competition.
What if I told you that your biggest competitor isn’t in the market?
It’s the old version of you.
Most people fail to grow because they’re stuck trying to outdo their past instead of evolving for the future.
In today’s issue, we’ll explore how your old self can hold you back from being the best version of yourself.
🗯️ Beyond the Old You
Michael Jordan was a dominant force in basketball in the late ’80s and early ’90s, leading the Chicago Bulls to multiple championships.
But after stepping away from basketball in 1993 to pursue a baseball career, many doubted if he could return to his peak performance in the NBA.
When Jordan returned in 1995, he didn’t just aim to match his past success, he reinvented himself.
He knew that the same style of play that worked before wouldn’t be enough in this new phase of his career.
Jordan developed new skills, refined his approach, and embraced a more strategic, team-focused style.
This led to three more NBA championships with the Bulls.
If he had been trying to measure up to his old self, he might not have become a better version of himself.
🧠 You’re Competing with Your Past Self
That old you was valuable.
You’re on a new level now.
With new challenges, changes, new investors to win, and advanced clients to cater to.
But you’re looking up to the you that won that million-dollar contract to win the billion-dollar project.
You’re pushing harder, doubling down on the same habits, strategy, mindset, and beliefs that got you here, and expecting different results.
But you’re not playing the same game anymore.
So you’re not getting the expected result.
You start feeling frustrated.
You start to question your performance.
Comparing yourself to the person you were five years ago when every decision seemed bold and decisive.
Now, even small choices feel like they carry too much weight.
Creating an internal battle that fuels self-doubt.
You find yourself pulling back, second-guessing every move.
That fire you used to feel every day is starting to fade.
Now you feel stagnant and clouded by the fear of failure.
Because you’re trying to outdo the you that doesn’t matter anymore.
The old you, while impressive, is not worth clinging to.
This new level isn’t designed for the yesterday you.
But you’re not seeing how far you can go if you let go of your past self and tap into your highest potential.
❤️ The New Version of You
Yes, you’ve built success, had moments of glory, and experienced breakthroughs.
But that version of you also had habits, mindsets, fears, and comfort zones that don’t fit where you’re trying to go next.
If you’re chasing bigger wins, you have to apply the bigger you.
One that’s not trying to measure up to the old you, but viewing it as a mentor who has prepared you for this moment.
When you embrace the you that’s evolving and not competing, you give yourself grace to trust your ability to thrive at a new level.
You start to see the opportunities in front of you with fresh eyes.
You’re focused on what’s ahead, empowered by what you’ve learned, but no longer bound by it.
This gives you the space to create, recreate, innovate, and lead in a way that feels limitless.
Remember when you were just starting out?
You weren’t afraid to take risks.
You didn’t know all the answers, but you went all in.
You were betting on the future.
That’s where your edge is.
But the path ahead wants a bolder, braver, and freer you.
One that’s hungry for new challenges, new thinking, and a version of success that’s built on more than proving yourself.
That’s how you can truly dominate.
🤲 Leave the Old You Behind
I understand it’s hard to let go of habits that have brought you this far.
But if you plan to move past this level of success, you’ve got to rewrite the playbook to get you there.
Start by practicing any of these strategies:
- Stop running old plays: Every week, challenge the routines that brought yesterday’s results. Ask yourself: What is one bold move I can make today that my old self would have avoided? Small risks or new tactics. Do it. That’s how you build momentum.
- Reset your focus: Your old self was probably driven by external validation or admiration, but this new level can’t thrive on that source of motivation. Reflect on why you’re pursuing this new goal. Be sure your drive is not tied to your past glory. Your today’s “why” should be stronger than that of yesterday.
- Outsource the past: The old you may have thrived on doing everything yourself. The new you should be open to delegating and building stronger systems around you. You need a higher level of focus to build an empire, so quit committing to low-impact activities.
- Grit, grit, grit: You’re sure going to need mental toughness and resilience to soar. Join programs that challenge you to outgrow that old you that’s so afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Programs that will help you build confidence that cannot bow to self-doubt. I recommend doing #75Hard. It’s a mental and physical transformative program that ingrains the scope of mental toughness. It’s tough, but it’s worth it.
🎯 Beyond Competing with Yourself
Are you ready to stop competing with who you were and become the best version of yourself?
What are you holding onto that no longer serves your future self?
Drop the old habits today.
You’ve got a bigger vision waiting for the new you.
In the words of Candace Bushnell, “You have to let go of who you were to become who you will be.”
With appreciation,
Huw
P.S.: Sometimes, all we need to scale is a little push from a support group. If you’re interested in doing #75Hard, I have a growing community of elite performers who are at different stages of completing the program. Shoot me an email, and I’ll be happy to add you to the tribe.
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Huw Edwards
Founder & CEO, h3.xyz
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