The Underrated Benefits of Competition

This year, I finally gathered the courage to sign up for a mountain bike competition. After two months of racing weekly, I started reflecting on how much better I've gotten in such a short period of time.

The only major difference? Competition, not just riding for fun, but riding with a purpose.

I always loved mountain biking. I rode moderately in recent years, but did I really get better in the past two or three? Not really. Especially because I wasn't riding towards a specific goal.

Because I didn't want to perform poorly in the races, I became more aware of my strengths and weaknesses. After each race, I reviewed what went well and what didn't, and trained with intention. Particularly, the technical descents, tight turns, and building stronger legs for the climbs.

I've always known competition helps us grow, push our limits, and refine our skills. But it's often seen only as beating others, and with that comes the fear of failing, criticism, or just not being "good enough". That fear can be paralyzing, especially for those with social anxiety.

But competition doesn't always have to be about others. It can be about you getting better than who you were last week.

If you've been running from competition, I want to remind you to lean into it, one step at a time. On the other side, there is growth, purpose and momentum. And hey, maybe you'll also prove others wrong too. But that's just icing on the cake.