This might come as a surprise to some younger readers, but there was a time when there was only one ESPN and most televised sporting events aired on one of three networks — NBC, CBS, or ABC. Now, my television package offers dozens of networks dedicated specifically to sports. ESPN has four or five sister networks. Golf has its own channels. Some college conferences like the Big Ten have their own networks.

We love competition, and not just in America. It’s one of the common elements of any society — the desire to create systems for scoring performance.

Ironically, we also live in a society that doesn’t want to be judged. The overreaction to over-competitive parents led some youth leagues to do away with scoring. And in a misguided attempt to foster self-esteem, there are those who promote the elimination of any type of grading system.

The reality, however, is that we all use scoring systems for our lives. What most of us don’t realize is that we can change our scoring system and, in doing so, change our game.

Many people get locked into a scoring system that defines them even though it doesn’t really represent who they are or what they want out of life. In Up, Down, or Sideways, I write about the importance of discovering and living by a personal scoring system that will guide you toward success whether times are good, bad, or in between.

Most people organize their life and their work around one of four scoring systems: Results, Recognition, Recreation, or Relationships. Which of those most represents your scoring system? Who influenced and influences how you score your success in life? How often do you find yourself complaining about things like the lack of money paid in your profession or the lack of time you get with your family because the hours you put in to maintain a certain income?

It might be time to change your scoring system. Maybe you need to change careers to fit the scoring system that really represents your values and dreams for your life. Or maybe you need to recognize that you’re living your dream and, therefore, you should embrace a scoring system that fits it rather than one that’s imposed on you by pop culture, your parents, or some other outside force.

Your scoring system shapes your priorities and your definition of success, so the first step toward enduring success comes from aligning that system to who you really are, what you really value, and what you really want out life.

This blog is based on content in my latest book, Up, Down, Or Sideways. It is available wherever you buy great books. Click here to learn more about the book or click here to order it from Amazon.com.