YOU are your greatest competition

July 17, 2023

Fitness, Judo Values, Strength & Conditioning

Competition has always been a fundamental aspect of human nature. From the earliest moments of human history, we have been driven to compete with one another in various ways. It drives us to push ourselves beyond our limits and achieve great feats. As we have evolved, we have developed increasingly complex ways of competing with one another, whether in the realm of sports, business, or any other arena of life.

You are your greatest competition

In the world of sports, it is all too easy to become fixated on the competition between athletes. We are bombarded with images of rivalries, with commentators and journalists discussing who is the “best” athlete in any given sport. This focus on external competition can be problematic, however, as it can lead athletes to become overly concerned with their rivals leading to negative emotions such as jealousy, envy, and resentment, rather than focusing on their own personal growth and development.

In contrast, competing against yourself is a more internal form of competition and is based on the belief that individuals have the capacity to continually improve and develop themselves. It involves setting goals and working to improve your own performance, rather than focusing on how your performance compares to others. This approach can lead to a more growth and process-driven mindset, as athletes focus on the steps they need to take in order to improve, rather than simply trying to beat their rivals.

There are several psychological frameworks and models of competition that support the concept of competing against yourself such as goal setting, Kaizen, and the self-determination theory.

Goal Setting

Goal setting is a powerful tool for self-improvement. When we set goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), we are more likely to achieve them. By setting goals that are within our control, we are more motivated to work towards them. This process of goal setting is an integral part of competing against oneself, as we set goals that are tailored to our own needs. As research has shown that setting and achieving personal goals can lead to increased feelings of competence, self-efficacy, and satisfaction with life. This approach to competition can provide a sense of control and autonomy, which can be empowering and motivating.

Kaizen

Kaizen is a Japanese word that means “continuous improvement”. It is a philosophy that focuses on making small, incremental improvements over time. When we adopt a Kaizen approach, we are more likely to focus on the process rather than the outcome. This approach is consistent with the concept of competing against oneself, as we strive for personal growth and improvement.

Self-determination theory

Self-determination theory is a model of human motivation that emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation. According to this theory, we are more motivated when we feel that we have autonomy, competence, and relatedness. When we compete against ourselves, we have more autonomy, as we set our own goals and determine our own path. Additionally, we feel more competent, as we focus on improving our own performance. Finally, we develop a sense of relatedness, as we feel connected to our own journey of self-improvement.

Benefits of self-competition

With a desire to overcome personal limitations, increase self-confidence, and achieve personal goals, athletes can also avoid the negative effects of comparing themselves to others, such as jealousy or feelings of inferiority. Instead, they can direct their energy towards their own growth and development with a focus on achieving their personal best and surpassing previous achievements. This can be powerful tool for self-improvement. Instead of focusing on external factors, such as how we compare to others, we focus on our own performance and strive for personal growth. This approach leads to several benefits, including:

1. Increased motivation

When we compete against ourselves, we set goals that are within our control. As a result, we are more likely to feel motivated to achieve them, as we believe that we can succeed. On the other hand, when we compare ourselves to others, we often feel demotivated, as we perceive ourselves as being inferior to others who are more skilled or talented than us even if this may not be the case.

2. Increased Focus on process

Competing against yourself allows you to focus on the process rather than the outcome. As a result we set process-oriented goals, such as improving our technique, instead of outcome-oriented goals, such as winning. This process-driven approach leads to better performance, as we are more likely to improve our skills and abilities over time.

3. Enhanced self-awareness

Competing against yourself helps us to become more self-aware. We are better able to identify our strengths and weaknesses, which allows us to set goals that are tailored to our needs. This self-awareness also enables us to develop a growth mindset, as we are more willing to learn from our mistakes and failures.

4. Reduced stress and anxiety

When we compete against ourselves, we are not under pressure to perform at a certain level. Instead, we are focused on improving our personal best. This approach reduces stress and anxiety, as we are not constantly comparing ourselves to others and feeling the pressure to win.

In the arena of self-improvement, competing with yourself is the ultimate contest. Each step forward is a victory, and every challenge becomes a chance to surpass your own limits. The true triumph lies not in outdoing others but in continually outgrowing the person you were yesterday.

Leigh Judo Tweet

There are many examples of athletes who have adopted the approach of competing against themselves. For example, the Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps is known for his intense focus on his own performance, and for setting ambitious goals that are tailored to his needs. He has said that he is not focused on winning, but on improving his own performance. This approach has led to Phelps becoming the most decorated Olympic athlete of all time, with 28 medals.

Another example is tennis player Serena Williams. Williams is known for her determination and self-motivation. She has said that she does not focus on what her opponents are doing, but on what she needs to do to improve her own game. This approach has led to Williams winning 23 Grand Slam singles titles, which is the most by any player in the Open Era.

Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, was also known for his intense focus on creating innovative products that would change the world. He was not focused on what other companies were doing, but on what he could do to improve Apple’s products. This approach led to Apple becoming one of the most successful companies in the world.

Competing against Yourself in judo

In Judo, it is true that an athlete’s performance is significantly influenced by your opponent’s movements and actions. However, by focusing on your own technique and timing, Judo athletes can still maintain control over their performance. While it is important to be adaptable in Judo, a process-driven approach does not necessarily mean that an athlete cannot adapt to their opponent. In fact, by focusing on their own technique and timing, Judo athletes can better anticipate their opponent’s movements and adapt accordingly.

A step-by-step guide of how to apply this approach to judo training:

1. Define your goals

The first step is to define your goals. In Judo, this could be winning a particular competition or reaching a certain level of proficiency in a particular technique. It is important that these goals are specific and measurable, as this will help you track your progress.

3. MONITOR YOUR PROGRESS

Keep a log of your training sessions, competitions, and techniques that you have been working on. This will help you identify areas of improvement and track your progress over time.

5. Increment-al Improve-ment

It is important to focus on incremental improvement. Instead of trying to make drastic changes to your technique, focus on making small improvements over time. This approach, known as Kaizen, will help you build momentum and achieve long-term success.

2. focus on the process

Once you have defined your goals, the next step is to focus on your process. In Judo, this could mean focusing on your technique, timing, and footwork. Instead of worrying about what your opponent is doing, focus on executing your technique as best as you can.

4. EMBRACE FAILURE

In Judo, failure is an inevitable part of the learning process. Instead of being discouraged by losses, use them as an opportunity to learn and improve. Analyse your mistakes and identify areas that need improvement.

6. mINDFULLNESS

Practicing mindfulness is important in Judo. It is easy to become discouraged or stressed when facing a tough opponent. By practicing mindfulness, you can stay focused on the present moment and avoid getting caught up in negative thoughts. Positive self-talk and centering will help you stay motivated and maintain a positive attitude even when things do not go according to plan.

conclusion

Competition should not be about comparing yourself to others, but rather about challenging yourself and chasing your own unrealised potential. Competing against yourself is the epitome of striving towards personal excellence and continuous self-improvement. This process-driven approach can provide powerful tools for athletes to improve their performance on the mat.

To achieve long-term success, athletes must first define specific goals, focus on the process, monitor their progress, embrace failure, practice mindfulness, and focus on incremental improvement. Competing against oneself has many benefits, including increased motivation and positivity, and it can provide a more holistic approach to training and competition.

By focusing on their own progress and growth, athletes become empowered to improve and reach their full potential, even in the face of tough opponents and unexpected setbacks both on and off the mat. This, in turn, can lead to increased happiness, fulfillment, and success in various areas of life. Competing against yourself is not only a powerful tool for improving performance in martial arts, but it can also lead to a more fulfilling and successful life overall. By focusing on your own progress and growth, you can achieve personal excellence and reach your full potential, both in and out of the dojo.