Why Be a Competitor When You Can Be a Fan?
I have always been competitive.
Ever since I was young. Everything I do, I see as a competition that I have to win. I measure results in wins and losses.
I am always looking at the scoreboard. Am I ahead? Am I behind? Did I win the game? The problem is when I don’t win, I actually lose twice.
One, I don’t get the satisfaction of winning. Two, I lose out on the joy of seeing someone else win.
So I’m starting to change my mind about competing.
I’m choosing to be a fan instead of a competitor.
Why is it better to be a fan?
I eliminate envy. — It’s hard to be envious of somebody you are cheering for.
I win no matter what. — Being a fan is a positive-sum game. If I win, I win. If you win, I win. I can’t lose.
I learn when I’m a fan. — When competing, I’m not open to learning. As a fan, I’m willing to emulate and learn.
I am always in the game. — As a competitor, I bow out as soon as I know I’m going to lose. When I’m a fan, I get to enjoy the entire game.
I make friends instead of enemies. — Competition creates an “us vs. them” mentality, which breeds enemies. Being a fan wins me friends. Which is a lot more fun.
I become a member of a community. — When I am competing, I’m going it alone. When I’m a fan, I join the community of the person I am a fan of. There is magic in community.
So the next time you’re in the grip of competition, trying to grind out a victory. Stop and think…
Am I better off being a competitor?
Or am I better off being a fan?
