Psychological effects of competition?

Question

As many would agree, upon their child entering into adulthood, every parent wants their offspring to achieve the highest level of success (in college, their future professions, etc.) and become law-abiding, contributing members of society. To ensure that their child reaches this desired level of personal and professional success in the future, some parents choose to devote much of their time and energy to nuturing the child's competitive nature. Being a member of a capitalist and sometimes cut-throat society (American society), how do you think such tactics influences the child's behavior/actions? Do you think that it produces positive or negative outcomes--or both? Finally, which attitude do you presently hold--the "try your best" attitude, or a "do what you can to get what you want" attitude?

Serious and mature answers are greatly desired and appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

I think being in a competitive nature can go too far and lead to negative outcomes. What will children benefit from learning that they need to be the "BEST" in everything; there will always be those who can excel more than others...everyone is different...

Being number one will not bring happiness, what does it prove, what does it really mean? I believe in putting 110% of your effort, but not for the purpose in proving that your better...

There are positive aspects of experiencing competition; such as if one was to persue a business career, i think its necessary for one to learn how to develop into a stronger person...

I know my own abilities, my strengths and weaknesses, and I am a determine person to give it my all that will effect other's lives in a positive manner...

Answer 2

I hold that one should not only TRY your best but actually DO your best. You enter competition from the day you are born - unless you are "fortunate" enough not to have siblings. You compete for grades, for openings on athletic teams, for jobs, for openings in colleges. for spouses, for raises and promotions from your employer - you compete with others every day in so many ways for so many things. If you do your best ALL THE TIME, then in the LONG RUN, you will prevail. (And I will admit that the "LONG RUN" is a difficult concept in which to believe - especially for Americans.) But the only person that I TRULY have to please and satisfy is the person I see in the mirror each morning when I shave and brush my teeth - ME!