WHY YOU SHOULD COMPETE WITH YOURSELF - a podcast by Katharine Chan

I share how an embarrassing and devastating moment as a kid taught me my life lesson about competition.

Let’s change the definition of competition.

Growing up, I was a very competitive kid. I remember when I was in grade 4, I was a fast runner. I competed in the 200m dash. I got first place in the semi-finals and got to go to the regionals.

I was pumped, excited, looking at the people around me like “I got this”.

Bang, we’re off!!!

I couldn’t catch up. Those kids were faster than me.

What’s going on?

I came in 7th and I was completely devastated. Right after, a boy comes by and calls me a slowpoke. I was so disappointed in myself that I took words to heart and never wanted to run again.

Until high school when I started running as a way to clear mind and recover from self-destructive behaviour. I ran with a deeper purpose, to feel my lungs burn, to feel those legs work, to feel the wind brush my ears, to feel my heart pound and to feel alive.

My view of running changed and it taught me a life lesson about competition.

I get competition. We watch events where there are winners and losers. Shortest time. Highest score. Most likes. Most shares.

But wherever we stand on the Podium, the people beside us should only be the reflection of ourselves. Life isn’t about competing with others and trying to be better than someone else. It’s taking what that someone else has and using their story to inspire us to learn and grow in our own life journey.

So let’s compete with ourselves, finding ways to be happier, conquering our fears to be more resilient, aiming to reach a state of equanimity.

Let’s change the definition so that we don’t get stuck behind someone who is better than us.

What does healthy competition mean to you?

What’s something your’e going to start competing with yourself?

Let me know in the comments below

If you have any ideas for topics you’d like me to talk about, leave in the comments below!

Further episodes of Sum On Sleeve Podcast

Further podcasts by Katharine Chan

Website of Katharine Chan