By: April Clay
Competition can be simply defined as striving for a certain objective that others may be after as well. However, the consequences of not meeting that objective are different in each situation.
The loss of a competition for food sources among wild animals carries a life or death consequence. A “whatever-it-takes” attitude is easily adopted in this case because of the severity of the potential outcome, with the animals becoming aggressive or even killing one another.
But, is winning a sports competition a matter of life or death? Certainly not, but this doesn’t stop some athletes from adopting the “whatever-it-takes” attitude. So why does this happen?
One reason is that many athletes begin to unwittingly compete for their self-worth. You might know an athlete like this. They often adopt the “I’m-better-than-you” mind set.
To them, losing has come to mean that they are not a good enough person. Being that this is a very threatening position to be in, they tend to pull out all the stops to ensure that they come out on top. This can manifest itself in poor behaviour towards those around them, which gives real meaning to the old saying, “It’s lonely at the top.”
Another reason this attitude surfaces is because of a focus on the prize of financial reward. If winning means endorsements and wealth, some athletes are willing to do anything to ensure their spot. Thus, cheating, drugs, and other ugly acts come into play.
The act of competing in sports activities does not have to produce hostility and bad behaviour. It’s the meaning we ascribe to the competitive act that becomes important, and dictates whether our concept of competition will be balanced.
So you may want to ask yourself – honestly – just what am I competing for? In formulating your definition of being competitive, you may want to ensure there is some balance in your approach.
An over-emphasis on winning has often been shown to create excess stress that can lead to more negative outcomes than positive.
Consider that there can be many different prizes gained from the competitive act. You can develop skills, build relationships, learn how to manage adversity, and develop your character.
Competition can make you very self-centered, if you let it. Your thoughts can become consumed with “I” need to win and, therefore; others need to lose. Enjoyment easily goes out the window, and some very talented athletes can end up walking away from something they love.
One way to look at competition is to see it also as a cooperative act. You have to come together with people and agree on rules and codes of conduct in order to play. They do not have to be opposing constructs.
Ask yourself, “When I feel the support of others I compete with, what does this mean to my performance?”
We all require support in order to participate in our sport, from coaches, family, fellow riders, and even those that are our direct competitors.
Consider all the different teams sent to compete at the Olympic level. Many will compete against each other, yet they still form a team for their country. They cannot afford to waste their energy on negative rivalries with each other.
Most must, and do, find a balance between competition and cooperation. This balance enables them to free up their energy and direct it toward the task at hand. That way, everyone benefits.
Chartered psychologist April Clay is a former A Circuit rider and a member of the Canadian Mental Training Registry. She performs seminars and consultations in equine sports psychology including: Individuals or groups, On the ground or mounted, Email consultations. The perfect topic for your next association meeting! To find out more, call (403) 714-2529, email: april@bodymindmotion.com or visit www.bodymindmotion.com.
