Competitions play a noteworthy role in our lives and are crucial for personal and professional growth. They help to reveal potential, develop vital life skills and prepare for the contests and prospects life unfolds.
In essence, competition is the internal battle we often face, the challenges we set for ourselves, and the drive to improve and surpass our limits constantly. This battle is not about defeating others but about conquering our fears and limitations, leading to personal growth and self-discovery.
This is a positive notion, but it may be tarnished if deceit, jealousy, and trickery exist and people try to succeed by rubbing the wrong sides by all means.
While surfing in the Great Barrier Reef’s shallow waters, I was surrounded by billions of fish strolling in the vast crevices and enchanting multicoloured coral moulds. Their existence is intriguing, as they are born daily and die at the mercy of predators. This is a stark reminder of the ongoing competition for every morsel of flesh, a reflection of the survival of the fittest.
We are a mere speck in the vast family of the billion stars in the wild Universe. What makes us going?
A newborn is thrown into the cradle of competition just after the first cry. Twin babies compete in the womb to get the maximum nourishment from their mothers.
Someone said, “A flower does not compete with the flower next to it; it just blooms.”
These words seem more poetic and philosophical than facts. Flowers and twigs rubberneck to get a whiff of sunshine. The Giant Sequoia trees in the Redwood forests of California compete for sunlight, outgrowing each other and gaining gigantic heights and proportions.
Honestly said, “Be on the Top so that there is no one to compete with,” but “Becoming number one is easier than remaining number one.” Conquering the top comes with immense stress and scuffle.
Most people prefer to be average and adore the journey of mediocrity without bothering to fail or sweating to reach the Top. They are happy-go-lucky and lead a mundane life with limited prospects and dreams.
“Competition is always a good thing. It forces us to do our best. A monopoly renders people complacent and satisfied with mediocrity.”
The ultimate victory in competition derives from inner satisfaction, profound fulfilment, and contentment, with the belief that you accomplished the best.
“A horse never runs so fast as when he has other horses to catch up and outpace.” OVID.
Some people follow their passions, diversify from their professions, and excel in other genres and activities. However, they encounter stiff competition and challenges wherever they go. Every passion mounts a new cluster of people with whom one has to contest. There is a horse-trading to fish ‘Likes’ on social media.
“Bitterness comes when you continuously compete with others, but you will improve if you compete with yourself.”
Negative thoughts don’t create positive results. Moreover, the most significant things are always the easiest because there is no Competition.
One needs to create a lane where the journey is peaceful—a street with no traffic, just the stallion of creativity and imagination. The feeling of tranquillity and freedom is truly liberating.
The most redeeming feeling comes when one starts competing with oneself—a competition between the heart and mind, intellect and sensitivity. There is no scope for trespassing as outside forces do not disturb the internal harmony. Some may call it arrogance and conceit, but it is a process of nurturing with the notion of being Mr Perfect without any competition. The journey of self-evaluation and self-improvement is both motivating and inspiring.
I was asked to compete my garden in the city’s Annual Horticulture Competition. I denied the offer as the garden is my personal space and creativity. I love the dried leaves, dead twigs, the weedy grass and the wild corners. Entering a contest means cleaning every bit of the corner and planting things that might interest the adjudicator, not me.
I compliment myself for every bloom in the Spring and every wilt in the Autumn. Criticism is my forte, and accolades are my domain. It’s not about competition, rivalry, or struggle but about the personal growth and development that I experience with each season.
We must focus on our journeys without comparing ourselves to others. This empowers us and gives us the confidence to pursue our paths and dreams, knowing that our unique journey is what truly matters.
Competitions build character by teaching discipline, endurance, and determination. They challenge us to remain dedicated, manage stress, and sustain honesty under pressure, shaping us into stronger, more resilient individuals.
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