It is argued that competitive spirit is seen as a positive quality for individuals in recent years. I strongly believe it is a positive quality that a person should possess. While this phenomenon can have negative impacts such as becoming frustrated with others, the potential positive side, mainly associated with encouraging people to work harder, should also be taken into account.
First and foremost, competing with peers can assist and motivate people to push themselves. People, especially men, naturally tend to be more competitive and driven to achieve success compared to women. In recent years, competitiveness has grown among adolescents because competing with peers helps them learn faster and makes studying more engaging. This, in turn, leads to the growth of an educated generation. Take China, for instance, where most teenagers and children strive to compete as it helps them to learn more and pushes them to achieve as soon as possible. As a result, China has become one of the most prosperous nations in the world.
On the other hand, contending with peers can be negative for individuals’ mental well-being and morale. In any competition, only one, who worked harder than others, invariably becomes champion, which can lower others’ mood and can cause stress among other participants as people tend to compare themselves with others. For example, in Nepal, a large number of people, especially adolescents, suffer from stress due to depression. Professor Charlie, who conducted this research in Nepal about depression among people, says, “Most teenagers undergo depression because they are comparing themselves with others; therefore, the rate of depression has increased noticeably in Nepal.”
In conclusion, contending with others can assist people to accomplish their aims as long as people do not think negatively.