One of my favourite thinkers, Seth Godin, recently wrote about competition.
And how it is all pervasive.

I totally agree to his PoV.

However, what, then should be the driving force of what you create – your business, a side project or a piece of art you want to create?

That you bring YOU into it.

Not what you must be.
Not what you should be.
Certainly not what the voice of resistance says it should be.

Do your own thing. Your own way.
And you would find a way to beat the competition by not competing against them.
Which is a win-win.