We are so caught up in competing with each other, with our siblings, our coworkers, teammates, neighbours, spouses and on and on, that we inherently start to believe that’s what life is basically about. Survival of the fittest. Be better, buffer, richer, sexier, smarter than the people around us. We think competition equates success. But we are woefully wrong. It’s not competition that is important, it is cooperation. Kindness and compassion not only builds better communities, improve the lives around us, but makes us a better person. If we are to thrive as a society or an individual we need to change our habits and daily practices. Competition has its time and place, but in life, pales in comparison to altruism and empathy. Lift others up. Be gentle. Take care of your tribe. Be generous and giving. Embrace the fact that the only competition you sincerely need is with yourself to be better, do better today than yesterday.