I get asked the question “What was your biggest failure?” and to tell you the truth, I am always at a loss how to answer that question. Maybe because I have a bad memory, but even the bad projects somehow turn out ok.

My greatest regret however, I do know.

I grew up with a classic Korean mother: very critical, always comparing her children to other kids. From day one, we were in a competition: for grades, looks, accomplishments.  I grew up not trusting other girls, because they were the competition.  Although I made friends easily, I didn’t keep them because I would sabotage the relationships to prove that they really were the competition and wouldn’t stand by me anyway.  And if I thought you were the competition, I was the mean girl.

This is my greatest regret…because I know now that other people aren’t your competition. It might feel like that…but it’s not true.

I have met some incredible women in my later years whose support means the world to me. And thankfully, I have kept my best friend through the years. But there were many relationships I’ve lost after a good start. So if this rings true for you, stop. The sooner you realize this, the better off you’ll be.