3 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Unhealthy Competition
Sure, I get it. Life is full of competition. We’re literally obsessed with shiny things like cars, planes houses …name them.
Even school grades, corporate ladders, and the social media space exacerbate competition.
But what if I told you that the rat race can lead to a sad place?
Paradoxically, it feels great to post glinting pictures on social media that don’t necessarily represent your real life and circumstances.
Usually, the aim of such a facade by most marketers or celebrities is to make dollars from the lucrative business. Most of them don’t necessarily live that kind of lifestyle. They’re just projecting an ideal to please and lure your mind.
Don’t get me wrong though. It’s great to dress well and improve your lifestyle. Just don’t fall prey to the fake hype. That said, it's prudent to rethink this.
Before we set the ball rolling, just keep in mind that there’s healthy competition as well. There’s a good reason why the term “ Competition Analysis” is hands down prevalent in today’s business world.
Essentially, unhealthy competition entails living a fake “show-biz-y” kind of life. It characterizes a life that’s made up to create a false, yet alluring impression.
For instance, hiring a Ferrari as an artist and then pausing in it to show how wealthy you are to create an impression is unhealthy competition.
Granted, lets now delve into the 3 reasons you should avoid unhealthy competition:
1. You’re Unique
See, you’re very unique. There’s only one you in the world. I’m even grateful that you’re reading this piece because you’re a valuable human with a unique DNA.
You’ve also gone through various unique circumstances which have shaped your life and thinking. You’ve fought your independent battles, and won or lost — but the fact that you’re still here means that you are still fighting for a good course.
Imagine forcing a fish to climb a tree. That’s downright unreasonable, right? Say you’re not well versed in science, then you try competing with someone whose craft is highly excellent in physics.
You might waste a lot of valuable time expending your energies while channeling them in the wrong direction. I bet it’s easier to understand your strengths and refine them accordingly, instead of focusing on your weaknesses. You’ll just waste a lot of time and end up regretting it in the long run.
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it's stupid.” Albert Einstein
2. You’ll Avoid Unnecessary Pressure
It's shocking how a majority of avid social media users today have slipped into the pressure-fueled world of proving a point to the world. Sure, it's not bad to share your experiences on social media. However, individuals who post pictures with hired clothes in studios just to demonstrate how they’re stronger than their friends can cause self-sabotage.
Such people end up losing their authenticity, and this threatens their self—esteem. No wonder suicide cases are on the rise these days. It’s better to move at your pace, step-by-step till you achieve your goals.
“Rome wasn't built in a day.”
3. You’ll Move Towards Your Authentic Goals
Do you really understand your essence?
Most great people like Barrack Obama, Mohammed Ali, Oprah Winfrey, Steve Harvey, and Serena Williams achieved great feats because they dared to try to understand and nurture their essence and passions through hard work.
Come to think of it: visualize a world where you’re all alone. In that world, there are no parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, school, or work. What would you do?
Second question: if you had all the money in the world, would you still continue working your current job or undertaking your studies? If not, what would you do?
Upon considering these questions, you’ll move closer to your essence. Your true essence is who you are as an autonomous individual without external interference.
It’s what you would do without being forced or sidelined by unnecessary distractions. This sense of awareness can also be achieved by cultivating self-awareness through activities like mindfulness and prayer.
Also, thinking about the things that make you mad can go to great lengths in helping establish your purpose. Think about it — then if you find some meaningful glimpses, start building them going forward.
Wrapping Up
If you’ve read all the way to this point, please promise me that you won’t engage in unhealthy competition. Just embark on your personal journey and begin working towards your goals. All the best!