Are we motivated only by competition?
The Telegraph recently reported on a government study in the UK which found that fewer students are participating in competitive sports. There is a general decline in competing school against school and an increase in non-competitive “fun” endeavors like cheer-leading (they obviously aren’t on a competitive cheer team), yoga, and circus skills (not too sure what that is but it sounds fun).
Interestingly the article is against this shift. Quoting Nick Seaton, Chairman of the Campaign for Real Education:
“Non-competitive sport can never be a substitute for competitive sport which stretches young people to the utmost and help them get used to winning and losing.”
In addition, the article appears to blame non-competitive sports for the increase in childhood obesity.
Hold on! I don’t think so.
Simply by increasing opportunities for non-competitive activities that doesn’t mean the activities are any less physically demanding. The idea that kids are motivated to excel physically simply due to their competitive natures is so wrong. Yes, healthy competition may bring out the best in some. It is always great to win. However, there are numerous individuals who simply opt out, knowing that they will never be fast enough, strong enough, good enough to win the gold medal.
Providing non-competitive options in school settings allows all students (jocks and nots) with an opportunity to develop their physical abilities. Yoga in particular will explore other aspects of the individual, and definitely challenge those who believe they are strong and fit, while involving non-physically inclined participants. I applaud the schools in the UK who are offering students a variety of competitive and non-competitive options in their PE curriculum. By providing a variety of options more kids may discover ways to stay fit and healthy throughout their lives.
What do you think? Are we motivated by competition? What are your motives for getting fit? Why do your kids exercise?
A shout out to Yoga Buzz for highlighting this article.
Kudos for your take on this issue Donna! By no means should the meaning of true health and wellness be limited to a measurement of physical strength and abilities. As you say, not all children thrive in competitive environments. In fact, many children can actually ‘fail to thrive’ and becoem anxious and even depressed if they think the only way to be successful is to be involved in traditional competitive athletics. Certainly, competition can encourage character-building, teamwork, sportsmanship and athleticism. But, so can many non-competitive activities, including yoga. And I would argue that non-competitive activities such as yoga, also encourage listening to one’s true nature and following one’s true interests, which can only increase confidence, self-esteem and individual growth. Add to that acceptance, tolerance and compassion for the diversities and interests of others and well…we’re getting close to true health & wellness – mind, body and spirit.
What an interesting post. I read your posts in reverse order so your next post on Diet vs. Exercise is another great insight into how Exercise – competitive or not – is not the key to solving obesity.
I think yoga with meditation and yogic breathing increases awareness about the choices we are making in everything – are we making the choice consciously or unconsciously? I think there is a big difference between these two – the motivation behind it is key.
My biggest form of competition is the battle going on between me and Me.
My boys were VERY motivated by competitive sports, but they also were athletically inclined. It was never an issue for them to stay fit, but my daughter, who struggled with her weight, found competitive sports impossible. She couldn’t compete, so why try? Finding that activity that she could do successfully could have made all the difference-yoga would have been perfect. Unfortunately, at the time, it didn’t seem a realistic option.
I firmly believe one of the most important things a parent can do for their child is to find some activity or skill that they can master and do WELL. Some kids make that easier than others, but it’s the ones that are the most difficult that need it the most. Yoga could be a good option.
As a parent and so-called athlete, I couldn’t agree more with your thoughts on this article. I always played team sports growing up, mostly soccer, and yes, it was a lot of fun, and I got a huge kick out of winning. But I never pushed myself as an individual until I was an adult, and realized there was no one counting on me or pushing me to win. Today, I run, something I always hated to do on its own, outside of sports. I run because I love challenge of meeting personal goals. And I love how it feels when I succeed!
I know that yoga brought out that side in me. Yoga is so personal, and that is why I love it. I can’t stand being in a studio full of competitive yogis (once in a while it happens) – you know, the type of people who really don’t get it, and think the point is to prove who can hold a balance pose longest or reach the furthest in a forward fold. It’s one of the reasons I love practicing in private, because it’s all about me and my own personal achievements.
One of my children has shown an aversion to team or competitive sports already at a young age. I recently wrote on my blog about this exact topic (http://www.thepranamama.com/yoga-posts/life-lessons-acceptance.php). She doesn’t do well with competition against others, winning and losing is not really her thing – but she loves individual activities like yoga, swimming and running. Of course I hope she will come around for the experience of working together as a team and supporting her peer’s achievements, but at the same time, I love that she is all about showing her personal best only to herself (or her adoring parents!).
Excellent article. Competitive sport turns off more people than it motivates: many more people lose than win, after all. And what IS the point of chasing after a stupid ball? Even in Scrabble the fooling around with scoring takes away the pleasure of making unusual words: my wife and I play co-operatively. There’s a need in this world for more co-operation than competition.
Competitive games originated as training for war: “The battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton” and all that.
We should certainly all do our personal best, of course. But for many sports that is limited by the way an individual is made: a 1.5 metre boy will never excel at basketball! and so on…