Inspired or Envious?

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Are you inspired or envious?

Every time you see something that catches your attention — a Ferrari rolling by, a luxury watch, someone dominating in their craft — there are really only two ways to react:
You’re either inspired… or you’re envious.

Me? I’m inspired every single time.

What always fascinated me were people who perfected their craft. The ones who were obsessed with greatness. The ones who built their entire life around being exceptional at one thing.

I was blown away when I first learned that Mike Tyson became heavyweight champion of the world at 20 years old. Think about that. The amount of obsession, sacrifice, and tunnel vision required to reach that level so young? It’s insane. Sure, there’s some talent involved. But even Mike said it himself — “Talent? I don’t believe in talent.”

That should tell you something.

Then there’s Jordan — the ultimate competitor. That guy could lose in pool and wouldn’t talk to you for two weeks. Winning wasn’t just something he liked. It was who he was.

Tiger Woods? He was swinging golf clubs before he could speak in full sentences. His entire childhood was reps. Practice. Obsession. Not because he was forced — but because it was in him.

Cristiano Ronaldo? He’s not where he is because he coasted on skill. He trained like a madman. Every day. Every sprint, every header, every moment on the pitch was built on years of relentless work.

Ayrton Senna? Rain races, impossible overtakes, pure instinct. The guy didn’t just drive — he became the car. His hunger to be faster, sharper, better — it pushed the limits of what was possible in motorsport.

All of these people had one thing in common: they were obsessed with the process. The world saw the result. I was always more interested in the dedication it took to get there.

And yet, for whatever reason, people see that kind of success and they get bitter.

You know the type. A Ferrari passes and suddenly the guy next to you says something like:
“Must be compensating for something.”
“Probably a rich jerk.”
“I’ve got kids. That’s real happiness.”

That last one always makes me laugh. As if rich or successful people don’t have kids. As if happiness is not available for successful people. That association makes no sense to me.

Here’s the truth — the people who react like that are almost never successful themselves. And it’s not a coincidence. That attitude is the reason.

If your automatic response to someone winning is to mock it, discredit it, or distance yourself from it — don’t be surprised when you never get close to it. You can’t attract what you secretly resent. You’ll push it away. You’ll self-sabotage. You’ll create a story about how you’re different — how success isn't for you, and how chasing it is something to be ashamed of.

That mindset? It guarantees you stay where you are.

So here’s my take:
Choose inspiration over envy. Every time.

Let other people’s success sharpen your focus, not dull it.

Because being inspired doesn’t just feel better — it pulls you forward. It puts you in motion. It gives you something to build toward.

And if you ever do find yourself slipping into envy, remind yourself of this:
You don’t know the work they put in.
You don’t know the nights they went without sleep.
You don’t know what they gave up to build what they have now.
You only see the end result of years of sacrifice, sweat and blood.

So respect it. Learn from it. Let it light a fire under you.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting more — just make sure it comes from a place of belief, not bitterness.

Stay sharp. Stay hungry.
And don’t waste energy hating what you could be building.

-Conner