We are really competing against ourselves, we have no control over how other people perform.

The remark reframes competition as an internal, self-directed discipline rather than a contest defined by rivals. By stressing that we cannot control others’ performance, it echoes a stoic, locus-of-control ethic: effort, preparation, and integrity are within our power; outcomes relative to others are contingent and often unknowable. The quote’s significance lies in its practical counsel for entrepreneurs and creators—measure progress against one’s own standards and prior work, not against fluctuating external benchmarks. It also implies a healthier psychology of ambition, reducing envy and anxiety by relocating “winning” to continuous improvement and execution.