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3 Simple Ways to Tame a Competitive Mom Nature

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3 Ways to Tame a Competitive Mom Nature

I hate to have to admit this but I’m a pretty competitive person.

Whether it’s a simple game of Monopoly or the annual Dillard’s sale each January {you know – the one where the whole store is like 75% off}, I want to finish first…to take the top prize. I want to win.

That sounds a bit much, right? Like I have significant issues or something, but the reason I’m sharing is because this competitive “spirit” I possess often carries over into my mothering…and I know I’m not the only one who struggles with this. See, I can’t help but to be interested in what other moms are doing. I can’t help but to feel that constant pressure to conform…to “one-up”…to do better. From birthday parties to teacher gifts, from room décor to my children’s clothing, moms like us can’t help from feeling as though we’re not measuring up if the images on Pinterest have yet to manifest their way into our daily lives.

And it doesn’t end there.

If you’re like me, you understand the felt pressures associated with this competitive nature and the issues with comparison that come right along with it. Competition trips us up and holds us captive as we push harder and strive to be more…to be the best in everything.

But here’s the thing, ladies…here’s what I’ve managed to realize three kiddos and twelve years into this parenting gig: the only thing we should care about when it comes to winning, is the hearts of our children as we lead them towards Christ. It’s what matters. It’s what’s truly important. Everything else is just a distraction.

It took me a long while {and a whole lot of angst} to finally realize this truth. It took what felt like forever before I learned to let stuff go, and stop focusing on the small, unimportant things like mastering party invitations and perfecting scrapbook album layouts. But I have to tell you, it’s freeing. It’s liberating. It’s normal! See, I don’t want my kids growing up like me – with the same sort of pressure…with that unhealthy competitive edge. I don’t want them to fear failure or place their focus on trivial things. Competition is good but an obsession with that first place finish will only lead to misery. It will only distract them from God’s plan and his will for them.

Besides, the Lord didn’t create us with the purpose of being perfect, so why have we become so obsessed with attaining perfection? Why do we compare and compete when we need to place our focus on him, and the children he’s blessed us with in raising?

After years of struggle, here are three things to help when that competitive streak rears its ugly head.

3 Simple Ways to Tame a Competitive Mom Nature

  1. Ignore it. Easier said then done, I know – but when you feel the need to bust out the latest Pinterest craze, ask yourself if it’s really important. Better yet, ask yourself if you’re doing this for your child, for the glory of God, or for the attention it might bring to you {ouch}. A little reflection in these moments often puts things into perspective.
  2. Put blinders on. When it comes to comparing ourselves to what others are doing, we need to put big ole blinders on. Basically, stop paying attention or caring. Seriously. Ignore the distraction before it becomes an issue. You’ll be so glad you did.
  3. Pray. Ask God for some help in this area. Ask him to take away that desire to constantly compete with others. Ask for peace in these situations and clarity to see what’s really important in any given situation.

Do you struggle with a deep competitive nature? What has helped you to overcome this trap in motherhood?

 Jenny Sulpizio

AboutPageAuthor of the recently released, For the Love of God: A Woman’s Guide to Finding Faith and Getting Grace and Confessions of a Wonder Woman Wannabe, Jenny Lee Sulpizio has but one goal in mind these days: encouraging women to set their sights on God, and away from the worldly mayhem distracting them. As a Christian mom, wife, author, and contributing blogger to numerous online sites, Jenny looks to inspire her readers to a state of action and a place of peace. She resides in Arizona with her husband and three children. Connect with Jenny online at www.jennyleesulpizio.com where you’ll find her blog, Grace for the Journey.

                                                     Screenshot-2014-09-24-at-05.55.27-PM      Confessions-of-a-Wonder-Woman-Wannabe1

Photo | Pixabay

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The post 3 Simple Ways to Tame a Competitive Mom Nature appeared first on Grace for Moms.


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