In today’s society, competition seems woven into nearly every part of life. From school classrooms to corporate boardrooms, from fitness clubs to creative hobbies, competition is everywhere. It starts young: children who enjoy painting, dancing, or sports are often encouraged to take things “to the next level.” Before long, they’re entering competitions or joining teams, with practice schedules, performance reviews, and trophies on the line. What was once a pure source of joy can easily turn into something more serious, and often stressful. So, what is it about our culture that makes us want to turn every activity into a competitive pursuit? And could we benefit from letting go of that urge?

One explanation might be that our society values measurable success. It’s not enough to simply participate or feel personal fulfilment; there has to be proof—something visible, a score or rank that shows how well we did. Social media, too, fuels this mindset. Platforms are filled with people sharing their achievements, often with metrics that show where they stand in comparison to others. This reinforces the idea that progress and passion should lead to “results,” and that results are only valuable if they’re tangible and can be celebrated publicly.

This competitive spirit can extend into adulthood, influencing our careers and personal lives. At work, we’re often chasing the next promotion, aiming for higher salaries, and trying to gain a level of status that proves we’re advancing. These pursuits aren’t inherently bad; striving to be better and challenging ourselves are positive things. But when every goal becomes a competition, it can erode our sense of satisfaction in the everyday. Instead of focusing on the enjoyment of our work or the skills we’re building, we may end up fixating on how we stack up against others or how close we are to that next “win.” It can be exhausting and unfulfilling.

In our leisure lives, the situation isn’t so different. Many of us take up hobbies to relax and escape from the demands of work. But even in these spaces, competition quickly creeps in. For example, someone (OK, insert “me”) joins a local running club, thinking it’s a great way to stay active and meet new people. Fast forward a few months, and I’m signing up for races and pushing myself hard. And let’s not get started on Strava. If you know, you know. Running then becomes less about enjoyment and more about performance, and suddenly, a source of joy turns into a source of pressure.

The question then becomes: Why can’t we allow ourselves to do things simply for the pleasure of doing them? Why does there always have to be a “next level” or a higher bar? For many, the reason may be that competition offers validation and a sense of purpose. When we succeed in competition, we feel a sense of accomplishment that’s backed up by outside recognition. It’s harder, in comparison, to measure or validate personal enjoyment. Yet, we can find meaning and fulfilment without competing. When we let go of competition, we allow ourselves to engage more deeply and more freely with the activity, enjoying it purely for what it is and the joy it brings us.

In the end, for me at least, life is about balance. Competition isn’t inherently bad—it can drive growth and challenge us to reach new heights. But if it seeps into every corner of our lives, it can steal away the simple joys. By setting aside time to just be, to engage with our passions for the sake of personal enjoyment, we reclaim a part of ourselves that’s untouched by judgment, scores, or expectations. We remember that life’s richest moments aren’t always found on podiums or in pay checks but in those quiet spaces where we can simply enjoy being who we are.

Why did I write this blog? Because although I can talk the talk, I struggle to walk this walk. Just ask Becca…

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Andrew