Understand why we compete? And why sometimes we don’t.
Consider this: all your accomplishments, remarkable by nobody else. How does that feel? Empty, right?
We’re all born with a competitive instinct, fueling our drive to pursue our dreams. But when our mental health suffers, this instinct can dwindle, leaving us feeling empty and isolated. Loneliness creeps in, despite the bustling world around us.
Competition drives us to strive harder, to prove ourselves not against others, but for ourselves. We witness this drive even in kids. Yet, as we grow, we encounter losses, and some may discourage us from challenging others, instilling a fear of being treated poorly if we pose a threat. This fear can stifle our competitive spirit, relegating us to the sidelines of life, while others continue to flourish through healthy competition.
Healthy competition motivates and inspires self-improvement, akin to sportsmanship. It’s about accepting both victory and defeat gracefully, understanding that setbacks are opportunities for growth. The beauty lies in the journey of self-betterment, where each mistake becomes a stepping stone toward excellence.
Therefore, the crux lies in competing with ourselves first, striving for self-improvement every day. This internal competition ensures fulfillment, regardless of external validation. Concurrently, competing with others is natural; it fuels our drive and provides benchmarks for progress.
However, competition can turn toxic when it morphs into an obsession, dictating our sense of self-worth. When our mental health deteriorates, feelings of loneliness and diminished self-esteem can cloud our innate competitive instincts.
Hence, it’s imperative to prioritize self-awareness and seek support from mental health professionals when needed. Platforms like iCareWellbeing helps you get matched to a psychologist and provide you an option to get a free online therapy session without any payment upfront. The platform also provides the world most affordable prices for therapy making therapy affordable and not expensive to access even great psychologist.
In conclusion, healthy competition fosters growth and resilience, but it must be balanced with self-care and awareness of mental health. By nurturing our competitive spirit while prioritizing our well-being, we can navigate life’s challenges with confidence and grace.
