Saying “they’re just better than me right now” with no bitterness takes more strength than most trophies.

Admitting somebody is ahead of you, with no excuse attached about luck or politics or a bad week, means giving up the comfort that was protecting you. Bitterness is easier because it keeps your picture of yourself intact and costs nothing in the moment. Clear sight costs something, and it is the only thing that ever closes a gap.

Name the person who is better and name exactly what they do that you cannot yet. Watch them with no commentary running in your head. Then take the smallest piece of it into your own practice this week.