Academia is known for its competitive environment, where publications, awards, and research successes often take center stage. However, the most important competition shouldn’t be with others – it should be with ourselves. In this column, Isabelle Kohler explores why each PhD or postdoc journey is unique and incomparable. She discusses the importance of acknowledging our own progress and measuring ourselves against our past selves, rather than our peers.

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine completed an impressive 80 km race through the Italian Alps in just 18 hours. It’s an achievement that I find simply extraordinary. In contrast, I managed to run four one-minute intervals during my physiotherapy session this week as part of my recovery from long covid. That seems insignificant in comparison, doesn’t it? But this was a 100% improvement from my previous session, which counts as a big victory for me.

Academia is known to be a competitive environment. At conferences, on social media platforms like LinkedIn, and in the corridors, you’ll frequently encounter colleagues sharing their latest publications, grant awards, or research successes. Hearing or reading this as a PhD student or postdoc can feel overwhelming, discouraging, and can awaken your imposter syndrome.

That’s why it’s important to remember that the most important competition shouldn’t be with your peers – it should be with yourself.