Unhealthy competition is characterized by a win-at-all costs mentality, envy, deceit, and disregard for others, among other harmful means. This type of competition is detrimental to the individual and the society. But what are the root causes of unhealthy competition? Which signs can help you avoid these murky competition grounds? And lastly, what are the benefits of letting go of unhealthy competitiveness?
The signs of unhealthy competition
Before we dive in, we have to acknowledge that in our daily lives, we have to compete to thrive. Competition is an essential part of human life that has driven progress and innovation. That said, unhealthy competition isn’t hard to spot in yourself or others. Some clear signs include:
- A win-at-all-cost mentality: This is where people pursue victory relentlessly. They may even use unethical ways to win or avoid fair play.
- Poor sportsmanship: This involves mocking, jeering, taunting, or even cheating to create a hostile environment for your opponents, competitors, or workmates.
- Excessive comparison: This involves people who always measure their success against others instead of their past selves. It may show itself through stress, low self-esteem, or self-doubt.
- Overemphasis on external rewards: External rewards are good, no doubt. But it becomes unhealthy if a person’s sole purpose for competing is external rewards or status.
If you see these traits in yourself, it may be time to tone down your competitiveness.
Root causes of unhealthy competition
External pressure
Sometimes, people compete at all costs because of competitive cultures, family expectations, or peer pressure. For example, some people have struggled so much to meet their family’s career choice only to be stuck in unfulfilling careers.
Low self-esteem
Low self-esteem can drive people into unhealthy competition to get validation, prove their worth, or boost their self-esteem by outperforming others.
Fear of failure
A deep-seated fear of loss can cause people to need to win relentlessly. Some people even do this at the expense of fair play or ethics.
Lack of self-awareness
You have to strive for what you want in life. But it would be best to realize how your competitiveness, envy, or deception impacts your life and those around you.
Advantages of letting go of unhealthy competition
Reduced stress
Whatever the root cause, unhealthy competition can lead to stress, anxiety, and constant self-doubt. Besides your mental health, constant competition also can degrade your physical health. Luckily, you can improve your mental and emotional well-being by letting go of excessive competition.
Improved relationships
As mentioned, some people compete to win at all costs. They may resort to dishonesty, character assassination, bribery, or manipulation to win. Some even compete at the expense of their families. But if you step back and realize you’re overindulging, you may foster better relationships with your family, friends, and colleagues.
Personal growth
This is where yearning for the intrinsic benefits of competition comes in. Here, the source and focus of the reward come from within, and you get the satisfaction of completing a goal you set. External status, money, or social media validation don’t influence you.
It’s easier said than done, but shifting the focus to self-improvement leads to long-term success and self-development. It also reduces the possibility of burnout, allowing you to be around and enjoy the rewards of your labor.
Enhanced creativity
A non-competitive and cooperative environment can foster creativity and innovation. It gives people an opportunity to share their ideas and collaborate.
For instance, Bell Labs in the U.S. was very successful in the past, developing radio astronomy, the transistor, the laser, several computer languages, and more. Besides funding, another reason behind their success is the willingness of the various professionals to share their knowledge and collaborate.
Higher ethical standards
When you let go of unhealthy competition, you become more ethical. You’re no longer willing to compromise your values to win. People have lost all their success because they were found to be cheating years later. For instance, you’ve probably seen writers or athletes lose their awards because they would do anything to win.
Collective well-being
There’s nothing as fulfilling as being in a society or institution that values the collective effort of individuals. Most people aren’t made for cutthroat competition, and every day, we see examples of people who have been stripped of their humanity in fiercely competitive industries like fashion, acting, politics, and sports, among others. But perhaps your happiness lies in a non-competitive environment where you can celebrate true success as a team.
Letting go of unhealthy competition
Unhealthy competition can have disastrous effects on people and society. It can make you think negatively of your abilities or others. So, it’s essential to know the signs of unhealthy competition and address its root causes.
Have a positive community around you and embrace cooperation. It’s also crucial to understand that you have a unique journey and find a healthy way to face life’s challenges. But above all, remember that success is sweeter in shared victories and collective growth.
