When it comes to raising kids, there’s a lot of debate about competition. Does it push children to do better, or does it hold them back if they don’t match up to their peers? Some schools are so worried about the negative effects of competition that they’ve canceled sports days and stopped sharing test results. But it’s almost impossible to stop the competitive spirit completely. We naturally compare ourselves to others because it helps us see where we excel and gives us a sense of achievement.
Winning a race doesn’t make someone think they’re a better person overall; they just enjoy the feeling of being the best at something. And the person who loses will probably succeed in another area. Though in school, sports often seem to be the only thing that matters. Sure, competition can sometimes be discouraging. Some people give up playing guitar after hearing the incredible skills of Jimi Hendrix, thinking they’ll never reach that level.
Competing involves imagining the best version of ourselves, without limitations, and balancing between accepting who we are now and pushing to improve for the future. Competing with someone way out of our league can be disheartening, but finding peers at a similar level makes the challenge fun and motivating. You push yourself harder, break personal records, and enjoy whatever you’re passionate about more.
No one likes competing against someone who will definitely win or lose easily. A recent example was a Spanish matador who stopped in the middle of a bullfight. He realized the bull wasn’t really trying to harm him and that the fight was unfair and cruel. This shows a bad kind of competition.
At work, too much competition can harm teamwork and creativity. An overly ambitious person might undermine colleagues to stand out, and quieter employees might avoid contributing great ideas to dodge conflict. A balanced approach would help everyone feel valued and productive.
So where can we enjoy competition healthily? Here are a few suggestions:
**Pub Games**
I’m not talking about drinking contests, entertaining though they might be. Games like pool, darts, or foosball can be wonderfully competitive in a fun way. Even if you’re not very good, you can still enjoy the friendly challenge and maybe sneak in some tricks like aim for your friend’s drink and altering the scoreboard for laughs (though you might end up fetching the next round of drinks). A game of pool or foosball can be thrilling and involve everyone, especially when teams are evenly matched.
**Competitive Sports**
Swimming or running alone can be rewarding, but adding a competitive edge can boost your fitness and excitement levels. The drive to beat an opponent or to improve upon your own abilities pushes you to go further. Facing various opponents allows you to adapt, refine your technique, and improve weak areas. Just make sure to compete in a league that matches your skill level so you don’t end up feeling overwhelmed or overconfident.
In conclusion, competition, when approached thoughtfully, can be highly beneficial. It encourages improvement and provides a sense of accomplishment, whether in school, work, or fun activities.