But I Want To Compete
We’re raised in a society where everyday, we compare and compete constantly. So why is anyone surprised that’s what we jump to do first?
In our academic lives - at school, that’s the first test. Who gets better marks? Whatever grades you get, it’ll define your life, right?
And this same approach is translated everywhere. In hobbies, in fun activities, in creative spaces. Whether you like to paint in your spare time or write blogs to share your views - it becomes a competition.
And it makes me sad. Hobbies are such that they bring us joy because we don’t feel forced to do them but because we choose to do them.
It’s natural to then start comparing yourself. If you’re a painter, you may know others in your field and realise where you stand, and what your worth is when it comes to competitions.
Isn’t it human nature to want to excel in what you do? But when we bring competitions and regime into the things we love, what does it become? Anyone who’s ever studied something they love will understand.
The point is - we do things because we want to. Whether that’s writing, or painting, or swimming. We should be allowed the agency to enjoy our hobbies without thinking of how good we are at them, because it isn’t a test. Even tests aren’t indicative of intelligence but that’s another blog.
But I still feel that need to compete. To do well in my hobbies. To prove myself. For what? For who? Isn’t it enough to find something I love? Why must I prove to be good at it?
And personally, people who enjoy their passions and have real enthusiasm for them are the ones who win. There will always be people out there who are better painters and swimmers and gospel singers. But your relationship with your hobbies is unique. Your passion for them is unrivalled. And you get to decide that.
At the same time, you have the choice to leave hobbies and pursue others. Oh what will people say? People will mention it for two minutes and move on to the next person. That's the reality of the world we live in.
But I Want To Compete - do you? Or has society conditioned you to think you have to in anything you do?
We owe it to ourselves to enjoy our hobbies. Life is too fickle to spend hours worrying over things that exist to bring us joy.
*But I Want To Compete is dedicated to those who suffer setbacks in their hobbies: there is space for you and your abilities will not define your passion or enthusiasm.
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