5 Reasons to compete

Competition get’s a bad rap.

We see unhealthy competition between countries, companies even families. What is “keeping up with the Joneses” besides a competition no one realizes they are playing in. This kind of competition leads to waste, contempt and self loathing.

Not all competition needs to be like that. Used wisely competition can be one more tool in our tool belt on your path towards wellness.

Here are 5 reasons to compete. This ones a 3 minute read

You’ll have Motivation

We all know that staying physically active is one of the best things you can do for your health long term. More healthy, capable and mentally sharp years later in life depend on making the right choices today. However, it can be difficult to stay motivated with such far removed future benefits.

Signing up for a competition can give you a crystal clear “why” for working out, eating healthy and getting plenty of sleep. If you need motivation, a little healthy competition may do the trick.

You’ll see what you are made of

You can test ourselves in normal workouts. You can set personal records for dead lifts, run fast time trials and get a good sense for your limits.

Competition brings that to a whole new level. When you’re tired at the end of a race and see someone else about to cross the finish line mere seconds ahead, you will find the last few drops in the tank. You will push yourself harder than you ever could in training.

It will teach you how to get better

Every action is an opportunity to learn. Since competition is such a good way to test your limits it’s a great opportunity to learn more about yourself.

Are you hitting the wall physically? Do you need to gain mental strength? Is your nutrition holding you back?

Competition is a great way to measure yourself and find where you are wanting. Follow that up with experimentation in training and retesting again in competition and you will have a lifetime of learning to unlock.

You’ll experience camaraderie

On it’s face competition isn’t a friendly activity. When we think of competition we think of bitter rivalries. Fans rioting in the streets when their favorite football club loses. Families estranged when someone goes to the wrong state college. Those are silly examples, but I think we all know people who take their love for competitive sports a little too far.

I can only speak for my experience of the endurance sports community. What I see is a group of people who put everything they can into race day. They will push themselves to beat you but will also celebrate your wins with you. Hand shakes, fist bumps and congratulations go all around. The general atmosphere is of people trying to be the best they can be and respecting other people on their own journey, having fun along the way.

It’s just plain fun

Last but not least, competition is fun. We can run, bike and swim all we want but there usually isn’t anything on the line. Even if it’s just 3rd place in your age group, wining a title makes the experience more entertaining.

So what? Competition may not be for everyone, but if you’re looking for motivation, an opportunity to test yourself or some good fun give it a go.