"You're not in competition with other women. You're in competition with everyone."

The core idea here is straightforward yet powerful: as women, or anyone really, you shouldn’t limit your sense of competition to just half the population. The real contest is with everyone, regardless of gender, because the world isn’t segregated by gender barriers when it comes to success.

This idea often pops up in contexts where women are encouraged to expand their horizons. Imagine a field like tech or business, traditionally male-dominated. If women only see other women as their competition, they’re ignoring a huge part of the playing field. It’s like running a race with blinders on—you’re missing vital parts of the landscape.

Think back to the era of the Women’s Liberation Movement in the 1960s and 1970s. Back then, women were actively fighting for equal opportunities in the workplace and society. It was a time that emphasized that competition wasn’t just among themselves; they were breaking barriers to compete universally, showing they could do everything men could—and more.

Let’s consider a real-life example: Serena Williams. She’s not just a competitor against other female tennis players. Her talent, drive, and success place her in competition with athletes across genders. Remember those times she’s been compared to male tennis players? It’s not about undermining her achievements; it’s about recognizing that her prowess is universal. She embodies that sense of total competition—she’s competing with everyone.

Now, how do you apply this in your own life? First, broaden your perspective. Don’t just aim to be the best woman in your field; aim to be the best, full stop. Network with everyone. Seek mentorships from people, regardless of their gender. You’ll learn different things from different people, and that’s invaluable.

Imagine a scenario at work: you’re up for a promotion. You might think your competition is the other women in your department, but that’s tunnel vision. Consider everyone gunning for that position. What skills do they have? What can you learn from them? It’s not about creating a hostile environment—it’s about understanding the full scope of what excellence looks like.

So, next time you’re feeling the pressure of competition, remember it’s not just the women around you that push you to be better—it’s everyone. Think of it like this: if you’re training for a marathon, you don’t just measure yourself against those who look like you or have a similar training regimen. You look at the best runners and aim to beat their times. You train harder, smarter, and with a broader vision.

Ultimately, this isn’t just about being cutthroat. It’s about recognizing potential everywhere and using it to fuel your growth. Be inspired by everyone’s success and let that broaden your horizons. With that mindset, you’ll find yourself not just breaking glass ceilings, but shattering them into a million pieces.