From a young age, I have always been competitive.

So competitive, that there are card games we're not allowed to play at home. Skip-bo is banned.

When I played hockey, I always wanted to be the fastest skater. The other team had the puck? You can bet all my energy was going to take it away from them. During practices, every drill was an opportunity to finish first (if speed was involved).

Today, absolutely nothing changes. I apply the same principle in everything I do.

I understand that not everyone has this desire to compete.

There are people who do not see the benefit of registering for an event or race.

1. They are afraid of what they will look like at the competition.
2. They know they have no chance of winning. Why register?
3. No interest or time.

The person I am describing is Alicia, my partner.

Alicia is the opposite of me. While I'm intense in everything I do, Alicia is the balance between us.

She has no desire to beat anyone or come first.

But in the last year, she wanted to start training a little again. With two kids and a boyfriend training for both of them, it's harder to find the time to work out.

She managed to train here and there. But nothing that lasted several weeks or months.

But a few weeks ago, Alicia signed up for a trail running competition in August 2024.

The moment she pressed the button to sign up, something special happened. She started training twice a week. She even goes for a run in the morning before work. Even at -20.

Why does someone who is not competitive suddenly turn into someone who is disciplined?

The commitment.

Alicia is committed. There's a fixed date. That's what we call having a clear and specific goal.

She must be ready to do a 23km mountain race by August 17, 2024.

The benefits of a competition

• We will seek the best in ourselves.
• There is a fixed date.
• Awaken the discipline in you.
• Seen the recipe for success

4 reasons why you should enter a competition

1. To surpass oneself

   A competition is an opportunity to excel.

   Going to places you never thought you could go.

   Bring out the best version of ourselves. Draw on our reserves to give 110%.

2. Fixed date

   We can't extend the deadline. It's imposed by the organizers. They won't extend the company's date because John was sick two weeks before the competition and he's not in the best shape.

   The competitions will never take place haha.

3. Discipline

   The moment we think about competition, we think about our preparation. Commitment to competition will motivate people to go running.

   We don't feel like going for a run because it's cold outside. The immediate discomfort won't justify the discomfort of not finishing the race.

4. The recipe for success

Everyone who enters a competition will experience the same emotions as a professional athlete. No matter your level!

Inspired by Greg Glassman's quote "The needs of the elderly and professional athletes differ by degree, not kind."

The ups, the downs, the plateaus, the loneliness, the progress, the successes, the satisfaction.

The ingredients of a winning recipe don't change. Whether it's a chess tournament or a water polo tournament, they're the same.

Nuances

I would add if you don't like competitions, races, etc. Try to find the right motivations.

The kind of motivation that comes from "within." That when you think about it, it comes to you in your gut!

We do this to prove to ourselves that we are capable of doing a "little bit more."

Forget the others. They're their competition.

The ultimate goal is to be satisfied with having given your all.

Warning :
The advice presented in this content is provided for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice and may not be appropriate for your specific situation. For any questions or advice tailored to your needs, consult a qualified expert in the field.