Create, Don’t Compete: Wattles’ Wealth Secret for Entrepreneurs

“Creation is creating what you want without taking anything from others. Competition is trying to take what you want from others without creating something new…

You must get rid of the thought of competition. You are to create, not to compete for what is already created. You do not have to take anything away from anyone.” – Wallace Wattles, “The Science of Getting Rich.”

The business world often glorifies competition, fighting for market share, beating rivals, and protecting territory. But over a century ago, Wallace Wattles revealed a deeper truth: wealth and success don’t come from competing, they come from creating. Those who innovate, serve, and generate new value rise above competition and tap into abundance. Today, in a global economy powered by ideas and technology, his insight is more relevant than ever.

Why Wattles’ Wisdom Still Matters Today

Competition creates limitation thinking. There’s only so much to go around, so someone must lose for another to win. But Wattles reframes the path to success: when you focus on creation, you expand the pie instead of fighting for crumbs.

Creation fuels innovation. Every successful startup today exists because someone saw a gap and created something new, not because they clawed market share from rivals.

Competition locks you in scarcity. Competing forces you to measure yourself by others’ standards, while creation allows you to set your own.

Creation unlocks abundance. There are unlimited opportunities to solve problems, design solutions, and serve people better.

This mindset is liberating for entrepreneurs. You don’t need to fight for scraps. You need to think bigger, create boldly, and bring something new into the world.

Practical Action Steps for Entrepreneurs and Startups

1. Shift From Scarcity to Abundance Thinking: Each day, remind yourself: I don’t have to take from others. I can create something that adds new value. This primes you to look for opportunities rather than threats.
2. Identify Gaps Instead of Rivals: Instead of obsessing over competitors, study the unmet needs of your target audience. What problems remain unsolved? What frustrations can you eliminate?
3. Focus on Innovation and Service: Build your business around service and originality. Even small creative improvements, a faster process, a better experience, or a fresh perspective, separate you from competitors without needing to “beat” them.
4. Create Partnerships, Not Rivalries: See others in your industry as potential collaborators. By working together, you expand markets and create new opportunities rather than fighting over limited ground.
5. Build a Creation Routine: Set aside weekly “creative thinking time” to brainstorm, explore, and design new ways of delivering value. Make creation a habit, not a one-time spark.

Wattles’ reminder to focus on creation rather than competition is a timeless principle every entrepreneur needs today. Competing shrinks your perspective, but creating expands your future.

When you dedicate yourself to creating new value instead of fighting over what already exists, you align with abundance and abundance always pays.