“Competition is a global game” – August 6, 2023

Definition of Competition

Competition – the act of competing against one another – is forever evolving as it adapts to each situation. Competition is ubiquitous. Competition is perennial. Competition is imperative. Society nurtures it as its own child. Yet, people still question what truly fosters a competitive nature. Is it biological? Or in psychological ways?

Confidence in Competition

Competition is driven by competitiveness. Competitiveness is derived from natural selection under evolutionary pressure. Humans are forced to be competitive in order to thrive and survive in a world in which resources are limited. Therefore, it is valid to argue that competition is biological and rather a natural part of human nature. 

However, competition can be viewed in both positive and negative ways. Stereotypically, the consecutive “loser” would view competition through a negative lens as a result of constantly facing the loss, and the “winner”, whether consecutive or just a one time, would believe competition as rather thrilling through the cycle of dopamine – “a neurotransmitter associated with motivation and reward” – where levels can rise up to 40%, further strengthening their desire to win. Oftentimes, this results in the creation of the Confidence man who gains confidence through his victories and amplified motivation. Subsequently, competition favors the confident as it ultimately discourages the loser with a lack of motivation. In rare cases however, the confident may lose unintentionally, resulting in the loser having the opportunity to “win,” shattering the confidence of the once Confident man. What is the role of the Confidence man with no confidence? The consequences are obvious: depression, stress, and a lack of self-esteem. Contrary to popular beliefs, the reward itself does not bring in that rush of dopamine but rather the pathway to winning. The winner would most likely feel the thrill during the process rather than at the end. The reward is merely the complementary mint when you exit a restaurant. The way there is the main course. Over time, the winner is addicted not to the reward but to sustaining his status of a “winner.” This is the overlooked consequence of competitive individuals. This is the overlooked consequence of being the Confidence man.

School Competition

School is a zoo. When you walk around, you can see all the different types of competitions in real time. It is not only common to see students being competitive, but it is also encouraged. Nonetheless, “competitiveness is a spectrum,” leading to a minority of students being rather noncompetitive. The same idea is echoed at our school. 

Seungyoo Kim, a freshman varsity soccer player, stated that “experience shaped my competitiveness,” undermining the belief that competitiveness is biological. Moreover, he argued that “being competitive is negative in some ways. On the other hand, it could be a motivational factor, pushing you to be the best version of yourself.” Indeed, it is still worth considering that competition can have “a negative impact on your psychology” if that is the main objective one strives for, since people may be obsessed with winning to an unhealthy degree. 

However, competition has its types: “Every single one of my peers are competitive in different ways,” whether on the field or in the classroom. Speaking of the classroom, a strange phenomenon takes place when competition is reduced to a minimal number of competitors. One of the most popular phenomena of competition is the N-Effect, in which fewer competitors result in more competition. This unprecedented correlation sparks the question: Why? One would even assume the opposite, weighing the glory even greater among a greater number of competitors. Nevertheless, it is logical. Despite gaining a lower preeminence, if one were to be the victor, one would have a greater chance of competing than winning. Ultimately, it is not always about the predetermined prize, but rather that feeling of exhilaration. Ms. Brower, a high school teacher of mathematics, initially perceived herself as rather non-competitive. However, this soon changed when she mentioned learning in a school environment, which may unconsciously foster competitiveness in each student. “You can be born into a culture that allows certain genders to be more competitive than others,” is what Ms. Brower claimed when asked how or why certain individuals might have different ranges of competitiveness. Unlike common knowledge, Ms. Brower admits that competition can be beneficial for students in Korean schools despite its ugly symptoms. If it weren’t for the competitive nature of the students, Korea may not hold the crown for the highest average IQ of 106.97 around the globe. Even so, the unhealthy side effects of competition are still recognized by teachers and students today.

Accordingly, it would be wise to consider the true nature of competition and what it may bring. In one light, you may be a champion with overflowing confidence; in another, your own psychology may be your greatest rival in your competition against yourself.