Windows 7 & Healthy Competition

Today, Windows 7 was released.  I doubt any of you JHers actually upgraded today. (If you did... congratulations!) 

So that marks the two most famous computer companies both using this week to launch huge products.  Apple launched a new iMac and Macbook, some other updates and a brand new mouse.  Microsoft wiped out Vista and launched a significantly better Windows OS.

So who wins? 

You and me! You see, sometimes competition can be awesome.  It motivates us, it helps us gain an edge and makes us want to do better.  This is why we watch sports.  It's all about competition.  And in the case of Microsoft vs. Apple, when they compete and do their best, we, the customer, get better products.  But not all competition is good.  Sometimes it's terrible.  It leads us to do shady things like cheat and steal.  And dirty competition leads to nothing for everyone involved.

So... who do you compete with in life?  Your friends?  Your brother? Sister?  What do you compete for?  Attention?  The latest fashion statement?  Popularity? 

Whatever it is, let's just make sure that it's actually worth competing for.  The latest and greatest thing will soon become last year's long gone trend.  What you wear now may not be cool in 6 months.  But your education?  Your grades?  That actually has an impact on your future. 

Reputation?  Now that's a tougher one to figure out.  But what's your reputation worth?  Say someone is saying things behind your back.  Sure, you attack them back, but what does that say about you?  Reputation is difficult to defend with words because reputation is built on actions. 

Be competitive with things that matter, and drop the things that don't.  It's a waste of time.

-Kevin