Most people know the type. There is always someone out there who has to win all the time at any cost. One- on-one sports, team sports– it doesn’t matter. They can rub you the wrong way if you are just looking to have fun. However, they possess a trait that is very helpful to an athlete: competitiveness. Why do you play sports? Have you ever asked yourself this question? Is it just for enjoyment? Or do you like to compete because you have a desire to win? If you pick the second choice, you have competitiveness. Competitiveness is a strong force that can affect your behavior in many ways. In fact, coaches who give motivational speeches before the big game are trying to get your competitive juices flowing. They believe that a heightened state of competitiveness improves performance. No doubt, most of you will say that you are already competitive. You want to improve and you want to win. But the question is: where does this urge to compete come from?

Where Does Your Competitiveness Come From?

What intrinsically
motivates you?

Extrinsically?

Basically, competitiveness is the expression of motivation, which is your desire for success and overcoming obstacles. How badly do you want to win? What drives you? You can find more detailed information on motivation in the motivation module, but here is quick overview. There are two types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic. When you are motivated to do something just because you want to get better at it, you are intrinsically motivated. When your task assigned to you is not freely chosen, it is extrinsically motivated. Competitive athletes seek out challenging situations where they strive for excellence and satisfaction. Satisfaction comes from reaching their goals. As you get older and skill level increases, sports competitions tend to shift their purpose from having fun to winning. Some people may consider this to be bad, but you are a competitive athlete. Beating your opponent is what you desire. This desire separates you from others.

This is not to say that you should enter a competition with over-the-top aggression or recklessness. If you are too concerned with competing, it can cause competitive anxiety. This can result in over-thinking to the point when you begin to doubt your ability to perform. Sometimes it is severe and you experience physical symptoms like tense muscles and nausea.

BY THE WAY...

There is a fine line between being competitive and being just flat-out difficult to work with. People who display hypercompetitiveness seek out competition in non- competitive situations in order to boost their self-esteem.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Competitiveness can stem from both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, but the most successful athletes are the ones who set their own goals and need to feel a sense of accomplishment. That is why it is so important that your motivation comes from the right place – inside you.

Why Do You Play?

In order to determine your competitive level, you really need to take a closer look at why it is that you play the sports you play. Are you in it for the fun and camaraderie with your teammates, the feeling of accomplishment when you learn a new skill, or is it the thrill of victory? If you play merely for fun, then you most likely score low on competitiveness. There is certainly nothing wrong with that! But the assumption here is that you are reading this because you want to become more competitive. One of the ways you do this is by setting goals, or more specifically, motivational goals.

Recognize this sign? This hangs in the tunnel at Notre Dame Stadium. The Fighting Irish players touch the sign on the way to the field to remind them to stay motivated and competitive for all 60 minutes.

Plan for Success

Think about some short and long term goals when it comes to your competitiveness and then complete the following sentences.

In the next week, I would like to

In the next month, I would like to:

By the end of the season, I would like to:

Before next season, I would like to:

The Two Types of Motivational
Goals: Outcome vs. Task

Athletes who set goals that focus on the outcomes (winning or losing) and compare their performance to others are known as outcome- oriented. Outcome-oriented athletes may reduce their effort over time and make excuses if they feel that their performance is not under their control. These athletes also tend to perform poorly in evaluative situations – such as tryouts – and are considered low achievers. Task-oriented athletes set goals based on improving their performances. They do not compare themselves to others but to themselves. They do not fear failure. They judge their ability based on their own standards, not what others think of them. These athletes are usually high achievers.

Focus on the task, not the result.

You Can Do It!

Objective: Set goals that are attainable. When you set goals for yourself, it ensures you are training and practicing with a purpose. Give what you’re doing meaning by attaching a reachable outcome to it. Make 100 jump shots before you leave the gym. Hit every pitch in batting practice the other way. You get the idea. Setting goals holds you accountable to yourself and will keep you motivated. But if your goals are not realistic, you will have a hard time sticking to them. Also helps: Achievement Motivation & Goal-Setting

After the Game.

Objective: Keep track of how you feel after you play. Pay attention to how you explain wins and losses to yourself. Following a win, less competitive athletes believe their victories result from luck and weaknesses of their opponent. Highly competitive athletes believe that success is the result of their talent, ability, and effort. It is important to give yourself credit for your performance. This will increase your confidence and future motivation. After a loss, less competitive athletes blame their failures on low ability or reduced interest. Highly competitive athletes attribute the loss to poor strategy and opponent strength. In this competitive mindset, you are crediting your opponent’s performance, but at the same time, realizing that next time things can easily turn around. This keeps you motivated in your pursuit of success. Also helps: Goal-Setting & Confidence

Other Tips...

Anticipate the enjoyment and thrill of competition.

Learn to enjoy pressure and the spotlight.

Find opponents that are near your ability level or slightly better.

Take advantage of a situation where you may lose but gives you the opportunity to improve.

Remember...