"Soy extremadamente competitivo, así que cuando la gente empieza a descartarme o intenta darme por vencido, solo me motiva más."

At its core, the quote is about using doubt and skepticism from others as a source of motivation. When someone tells you that you can’t achieve something or that you’re not good enough, it can either knock you down or light a fire under you. For someone who is highly competitive, that kind of negativity actually becomes fuel—they thrive on proving the naysayers wrong.

Historically, this mindset has been seen in many successful figures in sports, business, and other competitive fields. Michael Jordan, for instance, famously used perceived slights to motivate himself to greater heights. Jordan was cut from his high school varsity basketball team, and instead of giving up, he used that rejection to push himself harder. Every time someone doubted him, it only made him more determined to succeed.

Let’s put this into a practical context. Imagine you’re in a workplace where you’ve been passed over for a promotion. Your colleagues start to think maybe you’re not cut out for leadership. You could let this discourage you, or you could let it stoke your competitive fire. You work harder, stay later, and strive to exceed expectations in your current role. Eventually, your efforts catch the right person’s eye, and you not only get a promotion, but maybe even a better one than you initially aimed for.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? First, when someone doubts you, don’t take it personally. Instead, reframe it as a challenge. Think, “I’ll show them.” Set clear goals for what you want to achieve and work relentlessly towards them. It’s also crucial to keep your focus on self-improvement, rather than just proving others wrong. This way, even if external validation takes time, you’re constantly getting better.

Here’s a story to illustrate. Think about Jane, a young artist who loves painting. She applies to a prestigious art school but gets rejected. In the feedback, they say her work lacks originality. Ouch, right? Jane could easily throw in the towel. But instead, she decides to double down. She spends the next year experimenting with new styles, taking risks, and putting in hours of practice. The next time she applies, not only does she get in, but her work is singled out for its unique perspective. What changed? The rejection didn’t break her; it motivated her to become better.

In real life, we all face moments where we’re counted out. Maybe it’s a teacher who doesn’t believe in our potential, a boss who underestimates us, or even friends who think we can’t change. These moments can feel crushing, but if we approach them with a competitive spirit, they can become turning points. So next time someone doubts you, don’t just sit there—let it fuel your fire. Show them what you’re made of and use their doubt as a stepping stone to your success. It’s not about proving them wrong for the sake of it; it’s about becoming the best version of yourself in the process.