Competition between peers leads to greater success

photo Kian Hagerman Copy Editor
Kian Hagerman
Mesa Legend

Competition drives people to achieve more than they might otherwise.  Walt Disney is quoted as saying “I have been up against tough competition all my life. I wouldn’t know how to get along without it.”  Another oft-repeated anachronism is that “steel sharpens steel,” an attempt to communicate the idea that competing against peers improves the skills of all involved.

Those that are compelled to vie for accolades, whatever the nature of the result may be, come away from the experience better for having tried.   One of the major pillars of capitalism is that healthy competition benefits the consumer.  When individuals and organizations must try their best, or fail to those that do, what comes of it is a better product.  This can also foster negative impulses, such as diverting energy in an attempt to hobble others rather than improve.  This is the road to becoming infamous; attaining notoriety, rather than positive reputation through one’s actions, can be the only result when such destructive endeavors come to light.

Personally, my best years of academic performance were when, involved in social circles with the academic elite of my school, I was driven by those around me to attain the same level of success that they were.  It was my competitive nature that compelled me into a game of one-upmanship with my friends, doing my best to work harder than they were.  In turn, they did the same, and we strove to remain neck-and-neck throughout our high school years.  It was friendly competition; we would always laugh with one another regardless of our position in a particular class.  In the end, one of my closest friends in the group was class valedictorian, and I congratulated him at the graduation.

Competition doesn’t necessarily require others; working to top yourself will also yield positive effects.  Take this mindset and apply it to life; when at work, try to get more done in the time allotted to you each day.  In class, don’t settle for writing a paper that is good enough to pass.  Approach each assignment like passing the class is contingent on getting an A.

This concept is stated in the Bible as “whatsoever you do, do it heartily.”  Giving your all and succeeding is all the sweeter when you are surrounded by those attempting the same.  You can revel in your triumph over adversity, and can in turn propel others to redouble their efforts.  Competition, like life, isn’t summed up by the end result; the path to victory holds just as much importance as the journey’s end.

 

 

  • Mesa Legend Staff

    These are archived stories from Mesa Legend editions before Fall 2018. See article for corresponding author.

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