Competition

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I found this post that I wrote some time ago but never never posted.  My inspiration came from a conversation over a holiday meal with people very dear to my heart (I am sure that neither of them remember this conversation, but we shall see).  Hope you enjoy.

Over the holiday, a good friend of mine asked me about my blog updates.  Two things came out of this short discussion (1) I found out that people do read my blogs (Yay me!) and (2) another friend believes that I should talk about some controversial things.  So, because it just came up in a live conversation and is considered controversial by some, I am going to try out a more controversial post.

Competition - Is it good?

Isn't this an interesting topic?  In many points throughout life, we are competing with something or someone whether we realize it or not.  "The act of trying to get or win something that someone is trying to win or get" is the definition that Merriam Webster (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/competition) provides.  Based on the definition provided, I would say yes, competition is good because it is one of the simplest or most natural motivators and motivation is a plus.  When people decide that they want something, they will work harder to obtain what they desire.  Being a person with this type of initiative is inspiring.  That seems to be an easy enough answer, right?

Seeing as though the question had to be posed, my guess is that there are some negative connotations or energy that comes with competition.  So in pondering the negative side of competition, I had to take Merriam's definition alongside the second definition listed by the Free Online Dictionary (FOD) to aid in my next point.  The second definition from the FOD says that a competition is "a test of skill or ability; a contest."  So, if I want something and I have to get it by showing that my skill or ability is "better" or more "superior" than yours, what happens if I lose?  That depends on the parties involved and their mentality.  If I am an immature person that can't control my feelings, I may lash out at the winner; negative reaction.  If I am a mature person, I congratulate the winner and continue to focus on how I can be better to reach my goal. 

So to answer the question, is competition good?  My answer is this, competition alone is most definitely good and encourages development.  The immaturity and insecurity that some people add to it is unhealthy and destructive.  Just remember, it isn't the competition that was bad; the unnecessary behaviors that came along with the results were unacceptable.

I also think that competition is good for children.  If taught properly. It provides focus and discipline that only aids in building stronger, better respected adults.



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