“In implementation, CrossFit is, quite simply, a sport—the ‘sport of fitness.’ We’ve learned that harnessing the natural camaraderie, competition, and fun of sport or game yields an intensity that cannot be matched by other means.” —CrossFit Founder Greg Glassman

In the 2007 CrossFit Journal article, “Understanding CrossFit,” Glassman spoke words that remain true—even 10 years later.

The competitive aspect of training CrossFit is a core element of the program. Step into most affiliates, and you’ll likely witness various level of competitiveness among members. Whether it’s elite athletes fighting to be the fittest, or mothers, fathers, grandparents and friends trying to best their buddy or loved one, competition is a welcomed part of any sport—and it should be an enjoyable one, too.

But what happens when your competitiveness gets the best of you? What happens when your ego takes over and it’s no longer fun but stressful and discouraging instead? If this sounds familiar, it might be time to check the ego. We’ve compiled some tips below to help you remember what fitness is all about.

Be Better Than Yesterday

Part of committing to a fitness program is recognizing that it is a process. Unfortunately, there is no overnight path to fitness and health; each can only be achieved as a result of consistently showing up and doing the work.

The good news is, the best kind of competition can stem from this dedication: competition with yourself. Compete with yourself to be better than you were yesterday.

Whether it’s learning to pace your workout appropriately, lift more weight, improve your max set of pull-ups, dial in your nutrition or improve your attitude in the gym, pick something you want to improve and focus on it.

Constantly beating yourself can only result in increased levels of fitness and wellness.

Enjoy the Ride

The journey to fitness should be fun! Not easy, but fun.

If you find yourself leaving the gym feeling stressed out, disappointed or discouraged, it might be time to make some adjustments.

Evaluate why you are disappointed. If the root of your disappointment stems from the fact that someone else did better on the day’s workout, try to shift your mindset and focus on your own performance. What part of the workout did you excel at? What can you work on next time?

Bottom line, you should leave the gym feeling happy, energized and accomplished. Be competitive, but don’t be egotistical.

Don’t Compromise Your Fitness for the Top Score

The workout of the day is the CrossFit benchmark workout Cindy, a 20-minute AMRAP of 5 pull-ups, 10 push-ups and 15 squats. You know you can get the top score in the gym. You’ve easily got a 20-round Cindy. Mid-workout your hands tear. It’s not that bad so you keep going. But they tear more and more and you’re 20-round Cindy is slowly escaping you as your pull-ups slow down.

By chasing the pride of achieving the top score, you’ve compromised your training for the rest of the week.

If it’s 1-rep-max deadlift day and you know you’ve got the best deadlift in the gym but your back seizes up at about 80 percent, stop there. Don’t compromise the rest of your training week—or month or year—for the top lift that day. Remember, it’s just one day compared to a lifetime of fitness.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the whiteboard, and let’s face it, it’s pretty cool to see your name on the top. But when you feel your ego creeping in, remember why you train: health, wellness, fitness, happiness and longevity.