The competitive spirit seems to be part of our nature from distant times. It was probably born when people still competed for food against nature beasts, or it is simply a desire to show our superiority to our fellow humans and to cover ourselves with laurels.

Whatever the root of this ancient desire, it is a part of our life and will be present for many years to come. As long as there are two people left to populate this planet, there will be no lack of competition and the need to establish a hierarchy. Sometimes the competitive spirit can become a burden and obsession, but competition has often been the one that has fueled progress in all life's areas.

Whether we are talking about a Formula 1 competition or one between two similar product companies, the competitive spirit has often been the spark that has stimulated both parties to channel their efforts to improve and become the winners. Of course there is a need for two competitors to compete.

![climbing-to-the-top-2125148_1280.jpg](https://gateway.ipfs.io/ipfs/QmSEcUKyYiWm2B4HXMstsSGAnERtgzTnzxq5U19YZ7oNS7)

[image source](https://pixabay.com/en/climbing-to-the-top-mountaineering-2125148/)


However, in the case of some people, the competitive spirit is very often channeled to oneself. We can not call these situations real competitions, but we can recognize the importance of this instinct of progressing permanently. That of self-denial and constant transformation into higher versions of the old self.

What makes unique such a competition, if we can call it that way, is that it has no finish line or final score and there is no second place. Such people who constantly pursue self-denial are their own adversaries, and the only victory is over them. A victory that can mean weight loss, improve some language skills, or simply become more generous or more honest.

Such people who are intriguing with their own competition often end up exceeding their limits for years or perhaps almost a lifetime. Not many of us enter this category, but those who often make it become motivational speakers or models to follow for any of us that feel weak to overcome certain limits or to overcome certain fears.

![chess-piece-3307791_1280.png](https://gateway.ipfs.io/ipfs/QmWUxoaTnczqVGN1G7j77fHakhu9XuLuX6HCSmbiL92C4H)

[image source](https://pixabay.com/en/chess-piece-queen-game-strategy-3307791/)


There is, however, also a negative part of this type of competition with ourselves as in any kind of competition. This is, in my opinion, exaggeration in our efforts to overcome ourselves or some sort of limitations. When we go into this extreme, we risk injuring both ourselves and others. We risk neglecting our family, jobs or other aspects of our lives by becoming too absorbed by our competition.

However, carefully and lucidly done, such a competition with ourselves may be the best we can have with the greatest achievements and laurels. 

# <center>Thanks for reading and have a Great Sunday</center> #