Competitiveness : How to Compete and Win

The modern world might tend to demonize the word 'Competitive'. I was told countless times that I'm competitive like it was a bad thing but many times I found that being competitive is probably one of my strengths (well, according to my Gallup Strength Finder results anyway). Today, I've invited Natt Kawinrachataprida, Managing Director of YSIS ASIA Group of Agencies to talk about competitiveness. YSIS ASIA Group consists of YSIS Public Relations, YSIS Entertainment, and YSIS Investment Comms.

Natt is one of a few people who I admire professionally, as she really embraces all of 'work hard', 'play hard', 'provide hard', and 'save hard'. She sets a great standard for entrepreneurs, as she never settles for less that what she's set her sights on. Regardless of what your background is, Natt has proven that if you want something in life, you can and will get it.

Competition motivates me. Are you a competitive person? If so, how do you use that in your advantage? 

Good question. Over the years, my self-realization was that my competitiveness was actually purely against myself and my own achievements. My past struggles have set my state of mindset. I have learnt that when you hit rock bottom, there’s nowhere to go but up. I have been at rock bottom. That mentality has allowed me to stay focused and pursue what I needed to have done in order for me to get exactly what I want. If I was determined on getting something and at the end, I couldn’t get it, I would have failed myself. It would be a lesson learned.

My reasoning is that I cannot be competitive against anyone else. Everyone has different goals, from different backgrounds, all with a different mentality. My competitiveness is focused on my progress or personal road to success. This is how I think: if I can achieve more, I can do more. If I’m determined to be better than the other person, I visualize how, and I take steps to make it happen. And it usually happens.

One thing I can say is no one can compete with my determination. When I want it bad, need it bad, I will get it.

Being competitive means you have to compare. I compare my today's productivity with yesterday's and it keeps me going. How do you manage your competitiveness?

I don’t believe in comparison. What I do believe in is to use reasoning and to analyze.

If I see someone who has the life I wish I had or achieving something so simple but so great, I use my reasoning. I analyze all the aspects that have contributed to this person being able to lead this life or to achieve their greatness. I try to adapt these character traits and similar situations into my life. I believe eventually it will happen for you. The universe works in funny ways and you never know when it will throw you a piece. I don’t judge, I don’t compete. No amount of comparison will get you to where you want if you don’t take action. Your life is how you create it.

People often misunderstand 'competitiveness' with 'jealousy'. When you are competitive people may think that you are jealous. Any tips on how to not come across as jealous and not too competitive? 

My only tip when it comes to this is be the better person. Be the better person by being happy for others that they are happy and have what they have. Be the better person to have the confidence to accept that THIS is what you have now, and your time to rule your empire will come. Always remind yourself sometimes it’s probably better to not care at all what other people think. Sometimes it’s better being lonely at the top if you are able to compete for what you want in life.

Who do you often find yourself competing with? (no need to name names but maybe just a character or type of personality or company)  and what have you learned from said person / people?

I compete with the idealism of pushing ones own limits and grit. If I wanted to improve myself, I need to be with the best of the best in everything. The most kind-hearted person, the best mother, the most self-less person who sacrificed, the richest person, the grittiest person, the most successful person, and the best person at failing. You can be the best at any level. With that idealism, I believed there was nothing I could not do. I let my imagination run wild and sometimes I get fixated on something I want so badly, it became a living reality. When I was 18, I wanted to run an alcohol brand. Obstacles aside, I opened an alcohol shop at 19 years old – a few mere months shy of being 20 and getting an alcohol license. I watched movies that took place in high roller clubs, I took up club promotion and met all kinds of groups of people. I watched ‘The Hangover’ and I said I wanted that Las Vegas lifestyle. I partied in Las Vegas and brought Mike Tyson to Thailand. I became obsessed with showcasing entertainment that has never before been experienced in Asia, I invested and brought over professional male strippers from Las Vegas to perform in 2 consecutive years. I hate seeing stray animals and old people lose hope and suffer, I do hope I helped hundreds of lives suffer a little less over the past decade. Since December 2018, I built and sponsor a cat house in Rama II where temple cats can live merrily the rest of their lives. Most of the things I do now are based on the fact that I see an opportunity and I want to. What gets me competitive is when someone tells me something cannot be done. The light in my head will switch, and all I will say is I will show you. Most recently, ‘The Last Dance’ Netflix Series on Michael Jordan was an inspiring watch. His mentality was to win at all cost. His character, posture, discipline, determination, mental fixation, communications– everything just aligned and contributed to his greatness. From that, I learnt that while many people are lost, which is completely fine, the people who rise to greatness are those with hope, determination, luck, and a ridiculous amount of grit. I learnt to no longer share my dreams or plans with others. I learnt that no one understands what you want more than yourself and not to waste time on those who cannot contribute to me being a better person for me, the community, or my goals.

What's your advice for young entrepreneurs who want to be successful in such a competitive business climate? 

Know what you want. Acceptance, confidence, and discipline in a person is trustworthy in business. Your mentality and character traits are actually very important factors to the competitiveness of your career or business.

Natt's ultimate goal is to set up non-profits under YSIS Foundation for those without a voice, in particular a shelter for animals, as well as a place to help elderly people who have been left destitute.