40 years of growing barley and straw will teach you a lot. When I was young I used to compete with all the other farmers in my town. I would go to the farmer’s markets and judge their displays. Today, I try to help them. Want to know why?
The best philosophy I learned as that we’re only competing with ourselves. My farm began to grow much faster after I stopped competing with others and instead competed with old versions of myself. I learned this philosophy out of pure wisdom or teaching, but rather raw experience. I found that when I helped my competition they helped me back, or at least didn’t try to hamper my progress.
I highly suggest giving it a try. Be in the business of helping everyone, even your enemies, and it will be much easier to succeed.