So I was listening to a great podcast yesterday and the guest was talking about three behaviours that become distractions when we are trying to accomplish work. Risk taking, empty pleasure seeking and a competitive mindset can all set us off track when we’re trying to be in a flow state.
The ‘Competitive Mindset’ really resonated with me because my industry lends itself so easily to competition. Add to that, social media, modern life and my own need for competition; I know how impactful this behaviour can be as a distraction. How can I focus on the task of completing a 5K run when I’m worried about my neighbour who ran it in record time last year.
Don’t get me wrong, healthy competition is good - it drives us to do better and can actually be a great bonding experience. I loved the days when a couple of teammates and I would do an impromptu lift or squat challenge. Few things feel as great as when you are pushing yourself in a supportive and fun environment.
Competitive mindset in a vacuum, however, isn’t so great. If I’m at home wanting to make lasagna, or draw something or try a new workout, without supportive people around me and Instagram right there showing me the world’s greatest lasagna, art and fitness regimes - I just might lose my focus.
Being able to work on a task without worrying about what the next person is up to is not only liberating, but can also free up our mind and attention to be more productive.
I discovered this when I took up ballet about 2 years ago. Knowing that my 55+ body was highly unlikely to become the next Karen Kain, I could actually just enjoy the process of learning. I could put my attention to the movements, instead of trying to be better than the others in the class. I really believe it allowed me to discover parts of myself and movements that I wouldn’t otherwise have.
An unchecked competitive mindset can also really derail your long term goals. How many times have I seen someone try to out-lift someone else without putting in the work? Too many to count. Sacrificing a good workout that would get them closer to their long term goals all to say they were the ‘bestest’. Why give up the opportunity to get better in the long term in order to call yourself ‘the best’ for a half day?
So when we are about to set a goal or task, we need to keep our competitive mindset in check. Make sure that you are not paralyzed by the thought of not being the best. Do the work you need to do and save the competition for actual competitions.
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