Tip of the Month – October 2020: You Do You

You Do You

By: Kristi Coughlin, MS, RDN

As business owners, we are fully aware of our competition. So much so, while writing a business plan, we include an analysis of our competitors.

Like many of my Nutrition Entrepreneur friends, I wear many hats. One of those is being a mother to a competitive teenage athlete. These two worlds intersect regularly, especially the topic of competition.

Lately, my daughter has taken up the habit of comparing her abilities to her peers. She has really started to notice she has different strengths than her peers. On the flip side, her peers excel in areas where she struggles. The other day, she brought up her physical shortcomings compared to her teammates. Instead of allowing my daughter to dwell on her physical disadvantages compared to her teammates, I tried to remind her of her strengths. I then offered these words, “You do you. Stay in your lane and work on yourself.” I also say these reassuring words, “You are doing a great job!” 

During this conversation about competition, I can’t help but to think about how the same discussion applies to being an entrepreneur. When I first started my business making and selling inspirational products, I recall being worried that someone else was already making the exact same product. I also stressed about the fact another business may be more established and better than me in the same niche. Then, I gently remind myself of the same words I share with my daughter.

Next time you are worried about your competition. Or, you are worried about someone doing the exact same thing as you, remember this, “You do you. Stay in your lane and work on yourself.” Most importantly, don’t forget, “You are doing a great job!”

Happy everything,
Kristi