I was privileged to attend a seminar where the man was talking about competition among youths. He said competition is not good in our society but I think I don’t buy his idea. Fine, some people see competition as a way of forcing themselves into what other people do. But for me, I see it as a motivator. I love healthy competition. It brings out the best in me. That’s why I always surround myself with people that motivate me even when I think I can’t.
Here’s what you should know about competition
Competition is an activity or condition of striving to gain or win something by defeating or establishing superiority over others.
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In other words, Competition arises whenever at least two parties strive for a goal which cannot be shared: where one’s gain is the other’s loss.
The main reason why many people don’t want to compete is because of shame that comes from losing. Perhaps, if in the end, they didn’t win, they look like a failure. Nothing comes easy in life. You fight to get what you want.
The hard truth is – even if you don’t wish to compete with people, they are ready to compete with you. Compete with the best to get the best out of your life. Competition brings out the best in someone and also accelerate someone’s journey in life.
A lady told me she hates competition. I objected and told her competition makes me know myself better. There are so many reasons why you should compete. The fear of losing is what scares many. But the focus should be on getting better irrespective of the outcome. I do say that if you try, you may fail but if you quit, you will definitely fail.
There is no harm in trying because you never know what you can do until you find yourself in a place of no going back.
I know that the feeling you get from competition is intense, nerve-wrecking, and it requires more mental strength than anything you can ever imagine. In spite of it all, no one will cross the line for you. If you can’t do it for yourself, no one will do it for you.
The benefits of competition:
- It brings out the best in you: You never know who you are or what you can do until you find yourself in a situation where the hard way becomes the only way. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are a good example of a healthy competition. The two dominated the world of football for straight ten years. Recently, Ronaldo admitted that Messi made him better. CR7: Messi Makes Me a Better Player
Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that both he and Lionel Messi have benefitted from their long-running rivalry.
“I really admire the career he has had so far and, for his part, he has already said that he had trouble when I left the Spanish league because it is a rivalry that he appreciates,” the Juve forward told Portuguese channel TVI.
“It is a good rivalry that exists in football, but this is no exception. Michael Jordan had rivals in basketball, Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost were great rivals in Formula 1, the only common point between all the big rivalries in the sport is that they are healthy.
“Messi makes me a better player and vice versa.”
- Increases your courage: Yes, until you start, fear will keep tormenting you. But when you start, your courage increases. Nothing gives you much courage than the competition.
- Determination to succeed: It triggers the determination to win (succeed) in you. It becomes your mentality. Your competitor stretches you above your limit.
- It gives you experience: I want you to know that you can’t win all the competitions but can gain valuable lessons from all competition. That’s why I said sometimes failure is good. If you fail, you gain. If you win, you gain. There is no competition without its benefits.
“Of all human powers operating on the affairs of mankind, none is greater than that of competition” -Henry Clay
I want you to know that It’s not just about winning trophies and medals; it is about you evolving into the best version of yourself.
So, go on and compete. Experience all the benefits competition can bring to your career. Until you try, you never know.
Remember —win or lose; the journey is always a learning experience.