Competition

I am always amazed when during a game, or a sport, or whatever that involves a score to see how people behave. I have started for some time now observing people, and unconsciously studying them. I am not really quite sure why this happened but it is so and I am actually having fun doing it. Anyways.

There are different kinds of people: those who will do the strict minimum and don't really care about the outcome of their performance, those whose only purpose is to win, to be first, to be the best, those who try and just give up, those who are doing whatever they are doing for the fun of it, etc. etc... Many different ways of being for many different people.

The group that I find particularly interesting to observe is the super competitive one. This is the type of person that will take the activity to its utmost importance. A game of taboo or bowling becomes a decisive moment in his life, THE way to shine, and its life purpose. Okay so that might have been a tad exaggerated, but really, some people are like that. These people will take everything to the next level, will do their best to be the best, and of course to beat you, to squash you, to annihilate you. They will be pissed at themselves, will analyze the mistake that they just made, and try to correct it on their next move. They will also come to you for advice when they see how you suck. They will correct your stance, your move, and give you more information than you will ever need.

It's an interesting way of being. No doubt that most people in this category succeed wherever they put their mind. No doubt also will they be whatever they want to be. But really, that is not a category for me... It's not interesting to be that way because I think that you miss on the big picture. If you focus and put all your energy on just winning, you forget that you are actually there to be with friends, to have fun, to socialize... Of course, you should do your best, all the time, but really, what would anyone remember in 3 months? The person who won or the atmosphere and the ambiance of that night? Of course, this is "valid" for everyday life and events, not for school, or "real" competition...

Think about, in the game that is life, if you only focus on the details and forget about the big picture, what will you remember when you are old and wrinkled? Your score or the fun you had getting there?