Healthy competition is collaborative

To compete

From Late Latin competere “strive in common, strive after something in company with or together,” in classical Latin “to meet or come together; agree or coincide; to be qualified,” from com “with, together” (see com-) + petere “to strive, seek, fall upon, rush at, attack” (from PIE root *pet- “to rush, to fly”).

According to OED, rare 17c., revived from late 18c. in sense “to strive (alongside another) for the attainment of something” Online etymological dictionary.

This is the type of completion we might encourage. To strive alongside another for the attainment of something. I am better because of you pushing me.

Great sports people know this. They know that they are better when matched with a great competitor. Someone who pushes them to their limit and beyond. They see their competitor as their partner in success, rather than someone to bring down. Listen to tennis players like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. They praise each other for their abilities, for pushing them to greatness.

Why should we push to our limit and beyond?

This is an intrinsic part of life. That quest to evolve, emerge, and challenge ourselves.

Nature is striving together all of the time. The trees strive for the light, the predators strive for the prey.

I do not enjoy competing with others as much as competing with myself. Be that in running, swimming or teaching. How can I be better? How can I go that extra little bit that makes all the difference?

In business and innovation, when we strive alongside each other to greater better products and services for a world with a future, we all become better.

Of course, there is a dark side to competition. When we get lost in the clutches of competition, when it becomes all about self and our worth, we will do anything to win. Anything.

Competition needs to pair with collaboration. Healthy competition is collaborative.

Photo Taken April 2nd 2023

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