Competitiveness...

Competitiveness is a dirty word. Why is being competitive considered by most people to be a strength and a positive characteristic? I'm well aware that this is not a recent development, trait or trend. I'm assuming it's safe to claim the competitive trait has been around for centuries. Honestly, I kind of see it as a turn off. When someone describes them-self with the word competitive, I immediately roll my eyes. There, I said it.

Over the past few months of aggressive employment seeking I've acquired such a distaste for the term. Why is striving to be better than another person encouraged and rewarded in this society? If we're competing against anything or anyone...shouldn't it be ourselves? I am constantly working to become a better version of myself. I'm not motivated by trying to out-perform a friend or co-worker. I think it's unhealthy the way some people thrive on it. If they're not the best, then they're not happy.

I would like to see leadership emphasize the importance of becoming a better version of the existing person and/or business. I have a strong distaste for competitive advertising. Political campaigns and advertisements are the worst. Don't tell me why you're better than someone else. They can turn it right back around on you. Tell me why you're good and if you're not so good at something, tell me what you're doing to improve.

I think I have successfully surrounded myself with friends who possess a strong desire for ambition and success, but not competition. Do what you do and do it well! The motivating factor should never be to simply be better than someone else. You're always going to be better than someone and someone will ALWAYS be better than you at something. Don't waste time and energy worrying about the success and failure of others. Dedicate the resources to within.