Growing Up Competitive Has Been Crucial To My Success | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Growing Up Competitive Has Been Crucial To My Success

What were seemingly my weaknesses were actually my silent strengths.

293
Growing Up Competitive Has Been Crucial To My Success
pxhere

Growing up, I was always the shy and anxious kid who had a hard time making friends. I was never really "hated" by anyone, but I rather had acquaintances over friendships. Throughout my lifetime, I have had maybe a solid 10 true friendships, so I have grown accustomed to spending time alone outside of the biggest aspect of my life; sports.

As a kid, I never realized how much sports would shape me into who I am today; empowered, humble, hardworking, and, most of all, competitive. Growing up as an athlete, I tried so many different sports that I was constantly in a competitive nature, since the age of 3. This is the sole reason why I am who I am today.

With that being said, I am not trying to be better than anybody else. I recognize that everyone excels in their own areas of life, and I find that amazing. I would never try to change that, and I recognize my weaknesses are other people's strengths. However, being an independent person, I have always been very observant. One of my favorite things has always been to examine somebody doing something very well, and try to pick up on that.

I would analyze what exactly they are doing, and use that to teach myself. It wasn't a competition to be better than the person doing it, it was a competition to be better than myself. I was always looking for ways to improve myself, and I find myself still doing this, as a 20 year old college student who is often struggling. I am always trying to be the best version of myself, and improve on what I think I can't improve on. I am constantly trying to live my best life, because I'm always pushing my limits and telling myself I can be better.

If it wasn't for growing up in such a competitive nature, I wouldn't have these qualities that have carried me through life, and will continue to carry me through life. Though I may hardly ever be satisfied with myself, I am always looking back and reflecting on how far I have brought myself, and it never fails to astound me.

As a kid, I was seen as shy. Quiet. Intelligent, but not vocal enough. I had potential, but I needed to show it. I was stubborn. I would never give up. All of these little details that were pointed out over my lifetime, that were seemingly faults of mine, all fueled me to prove everybody wrong.

All this time, I had a fire burning inside of me, and it's continuously fueled. Now, it's almost time for that to show.

All along, I knew what I was doing. I may have seemingly stayed in my comfort zone, but my boundaries pushed may just be a comfort zone to "ordinary" people. I, however, have tuned in closely to my surroundings, gained the insight of successful people around me, and took that into my own life.

I am continuously in competition to get to a better version of myself, and that version of me is constantly rising. I am set to go after my dreams at full force, and those who never saw the potential in me will be completely blindsided.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
friends
Kristin Buggy

College is supposed to be one of the best times of your life. However, it is also one of the toughest transitions to make. There is so much anticipation and excitement leading up to moving into college. It doesn’t truly hit you until move in day when your parents say their final goodbyes and you see their car drive away. You truly are on your own. I was blessed to meet my best friends within the first week of school. Your college friends are so important and here’s why:

Keep Reading...Show less
13 Real Thoughts Every College Student Has At Some Point
Good Call

There are a few thoughts that go through a college student's mind on a day to day basis. Some of those thoughts come from class, some of then come from when you are bored in class. Here are sixteen thoughts that college students think of on a day to day basis.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Mouse, Cookie, Chaos!

He's going to ask for a glass of milk

83337
mouse with a cookie

One of my biggest pet peeves is when someone does not try to help their self before asking others. How can someone else be expected to help you if you do not first do that yourself? I'm all about helping those that need it when the time comes, however whenever someone does not even attempt to help him or herself first then that becomes a huge problem. As we all have learned, people tend to take advantage of us in one way or another. I am sure we all read this short story when we were younger and it follows that same principle:

Keep Reading...Show less
39 Traits You Know You Have If You're A Libra
Flickr

If you were born between September 23rd - October 22nd, then you are a Libra. Let's be real, Libras are the best because you are the perfect balance of all things in life. Some may find this boring, but they don't know anything about what it means to be all things at once. As Libras, we hold much on our shoulders that no one can understand. These are traits you know to be true if you are a Libra:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

12 Types Of Drunk Girls You'll See In Every Friend Group

"Getting drunk with your best friends is an experience in and of itself. It takes us on wild and ridiculous adventures with the people we trust with our lives."

1983
friends
Cloud Front

Getting drunk with your best friends is an experience in and of itself. It takes us on wild and ridiculous adventures with the people we trust with our lives. Each one of you plays a vital role in making sure the night goes (relatively) smoothly.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments