Let $a(t)=e^{2\pi it}$ be the generator of $\pi_1(S^1,1)$ and we define degree of $f$ this way:
$$[\omega^{-1}]\cdot f_*([a])\cdot [\omega]=\deg(f)[a]$$
where $\omega$ is any path from $f(a)$ to $1$.
Prove: if $\deg(f)=\deg(g) \iff f\simeq g$.
I think from $f\simeq g$ to $\deg(f)=\deg(g)$ is easy. But I have difficulty in the opposite direction, that is, $\deg(f)=\deg(g) \Rightarrow f\simeq g$.
I know $f\simeq g \Rightarrow [\omega^{-1}]\cdot f_*([a])\cdot [\omega]=g_*([a])$. Is the opposite direction still correct?