Competition
 

Competition

Competition has a valid place in life, but in an egoistic society, it runs the risk of invading every facet of what we do. Competition can become destructive to our personal relationships. Our basic ways of relating become infected with exaggerated competitiveness, and we lose sight of the feelings and needs of others. Our need to be competitive confronts us with interesting questions. For example, is it always necessary to have the last word in an argument? Can we sometimes admit that another person may have a valid point of view, even when it contradicts our own? Must we become personally deflated when we lose out in competition? Are our egos so fragile that we see ourselves as having worth only when we win? And finally, can we help others to achieve their goals without feeling personally diminished in the process? It might be an interesting experience to live life simply for the joy of it, without making our years into a long series of competitive struggles. When people are no longer obstacles to be overcome, they can be appreciated simply for who they are.

Lord, give me the strength to moderate my competitiveness when it leads to egoism and a disregard for the feelings of others.

Focus Your Day