Does Competition Bring out the Best or Worst in You?

Jonathan Palk
Sep 3, 2018 · 3 min read

Across the college football nation, players are competing against each other in order to land that starting role. The competition at the quarterback position is usually the most heated and debated. During spring, summer, and fall camps the media talks about who will be starting at places like Alabama, Clemson, Tennessee, and many others. Often times the media will pit the quarterbacks against each other. Is that fair? Are they more interested in their story than what is really going on between the players? Coaches sometimes have to down play what is going on in order to keep all their players engaged and competing. Both players train the same on the field and in the film room. Why can there not be healthy competition where each player brings out the best in each other and at the same time cheer on their teammate? Why does there have to be a so called winner and loser? This can bring a team together or tear it apart forcing players to choose sides. Sometimes players have to not let their pride get in the way and choose the team over their own accomplishments. Even if a player is not chosen to start at the beginning of the season does not mean they will not be called upon during the season so they must remain ready and prepared.

Have you experienced this at work where you and a friend are up for the same promotion? How about at school trying to become class president? Or even you and a friend chasing the same boyfriend/girlfriend? Sometimes we are not always chosen for a specific task even though we believe we are more qualified. How will we react? Will we give up or will it challenge us to become even better when the next opportunity arrives? How we treat the other person during this time reveals our true character. What is our perspective? What can we learn from this adversity?

Here are three easy tips that we can learn from competition. Iron sharpens iron. First, realize through competition you can bring out the best in each other. If each of you come out better through this process then both parties win. Secondly, learn from each other. You each have unique and special qualities so appreciate your differences. Last, cheer each other on and be happy for one another no matter the outcome. People are watching and you can make an impact on your fans and teammates by the way you carry yourself whether you are chosen for the role or not.

Do you need help with your mindset? Are you struggling because you were not chosen for a specific task or role? Reach out to me at jonathan@iamallincoach.com because this is what I do. I help people who may be frustrated overcome any obstacles getting in their way of achieving their goals.

Jonathan Palk

Written by

Jonathan is a Life and Transitions Coach who partners with people so they can once again Live ALL In and Play ALL Out

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