Throughout my high school and collegiate athletic career, competition was a battleground.
I viewed opponents as enemies, figures to be dispatched in pursuit of victory. This perspective, though driven by a fierce desire to win, cast a shadow over the true essence of sportsmanship. I’ve forgiven myself for it, but I still look back on it as a cautionary tale.
As I journeyed beyond those early days, my relationship with competition transformed. It morphed from adversarial combat to a dance of mutual respect and growth. This evolution was not immediate but a gradual realization of the value hidden within rivalry.
The spirit of competition, I've learned, is not about defeating others but about pushing ourselves and those around us to be better. It's about the shared struggles, the sweat, and the tears that bind us more closely than any victory ever could.
J Cole does an amazing job in this video of summing up the power of relationships in the competitive arena.
Opponents are not enemies but collaborators in our mutual quest for excellence. They challenge us, push us to our limits, and in doing so, become partners in our growth.
Reflecting on this journey, I see now that competition is a catalyst for personal and communal development. It fosters a spirit of respect, humility, and camaraderie that transcends the outcome of any single game or match.
As I continue to navigate the world of combat sports, this nuanced understanding of competition guides me. It shapes how I approach my work, the athletes I support, and the strategies I advocate for. Competition and relationships, once at odds, now coexist within me as pillars of a fulfilling career and life.
#Competition #Sportsmanship #Growth #LinkedInSports
J. Cole spoke on the importance of relationships back in 2021.
🎙️ full conversation with Kevin and Eddie at the link in comments
Structural engineer II at Orbital Engineering, Inc.
3moGuess who doesn’t care about shareholders?? It’s Martin!! Can’t wait to see how far this stock price goes down once they get kicked off the R2k. These guys basically stole millions from investors and the SEC hasn’t done a damn thing. At least Souki, Octavio, and Martin will be ok, whew thank god for that.