Times Of Swaziland: DANCE BETTER THAN YOURSELF PHILOSOPHY

DANCE BETTER THAN YOURSELF PHILOSOPHY
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Bongani Simelane on 15/03/2025 08:18:00


The philosophy of ‘dancing better than myself’ encapsulates a powerful
approach to personal growth, shifting the focus from external competition to
internal improvement. It is a mindset that prioritises self-assessment,
continuous learning, and the pursuit of excellence, not for the sake of
surpassing others, but for the intrinsic satisfaction of reaching one’s full
potential.
This concept reframes the very nature of competition. While many strive to prove
their worth by outshining others, this approach can be detrimental, fostering
insecurity and dependence on external validation. ‘Dancing better than
myself’, on the other hand, promotes a healthy form of competition – one
where the individual is their own benchmark. This internal focus cultivates
resilience, self-reliance and a more sustainable sense of accomplishment. It’s
about constantly striving to surpass previous achievements, setting new personal
bests and embracing the ongoing journey of self-improvement.
The importance of continuous improvement extends far beyond the dance floor. It
is a principle applicable to every facet of life, from professional pursuits to
personal hobbies. Whether mastering a complex skill, refining a creative process
or simply seeking greater efficiency in everyday tasks, the pursuit of
betterment enhances both the journey and the destination. While ‘good
enough’ may seem sufficient in some instances, striving for excellence fosters
a deeper sense of engagement, mastery and ultimately, fulfilment. It cultivates
a growth mindset, encouraging us to embrace challenges as opportunities for
learning and development.
This philosophy can be practically applied in numerous ways. For instance,
recognising stagnation – that feeling of being ‘stuck in a rut’ – is a
crucial first step. Actively seeking ways to refine processes, experiment with
new approaches, and even make minor adjustments can reinvigorate any endeavour.
Even those content with certain aspects of their lives can benefit from
identifying areas for potential growth, pushing beyond their comfort zones, and
embracing the dynamism of continuous improvement.
Strategy
One effective strategy for achieving this is leveraging the power of healthy
rivalry. While cutthroat competition can be destructive, a friendly rivalry,
based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to growth, can be immensely
motivating. Professional athletes often utilise rivals to push themselves
harder, focusing not solely on winning, but on achieving peak performance.
This dynamic can be replicated in other areas of life, providing a benchmark for
progress, a source of inspiration, and a platform for constructive feedback.
However, it’s essential to maintain a healthy balance, ensuring that the focus
remains on personal growth rather than solely on outperforming the other person.
The true value lies in the process of striving, learning, and evolving.
Furthermore, objective self-assessment is crucial. Wherever possible, utilise
metrics to track progress, identify strengths and weaknesses, and measure the
impact of different approaches. In sports, this might involve analysing
statistics; in professional settings, it could involve tracking productivity or
project completion rates. Even in subjective pursuits, such as creative arts,
self-assessment through journaling, reflection and seeking feedback can provide
valuable insights.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of mentorship. Seeking guidance from
experienced individuals can provide invaluable perspective, accelerate learning
and help navigate challenges. Mentors can offer support, encouragement and
constructive criticism, helping individuals stay motivated and focused on their
self-improvement journey.
Powerful
In conclusion, the principle of ‘dancing better than myself’ offers a
powerful framework for personal growth. It’s a mindset that embraces
continuous learning, self-challenge and the pursuit of excellence, not for the
sake of external validation, but for the intrinsic reward of becoming the best
version of oneself. It’s a philosophy that empowers individuals to take
ownership of their development, to embrace the journey of lifelong learning, and
to find fulfilment in the constant pursuit of self-improvement.