Chapter 3 Competitive Drive: Embracing Positive Rivalries By Cal Botterill

Competition The basis of natural selection and evolution. Competition is the drive to excel. But competition can also make us self-centered, judgmental, envious, and negative about rivals.

Total Fitness Model From Botterill and Wilson, 2002.

Irrational Beliefs in Sport My self-worth is on the line in the next few moments. I must perform for others. I must be perfect. The world must always be fair.

Intrinsic Motivation Intrinsic motivation gives a competitive edge due to task-relevant focus, setting of process goals, and self-acceptance (not worrying about self-esteem).

Extrinsic Motivation Extrinsically motivated athletes are more likely to be distracted and affected by competitive conditions and outcomes. Emphasizing extrinsic rewards can undermine or destroy intrinsic motivation.

Setting the Mental Stage for Competition The essence of the competitive challenge in life is learning ways to “keep one’s desires greater than one’s fears” (Doug Newburg). Being the “favorite” can lead to “playing not to lose” rather than “playing to win.”

Maintaining an Effective Perspective in Sport Canadian research by Matt Brown et al. (2001) Best performers: Diverse identity and strong self-acceptance Strong, meaningful relationships with persons who were unconditionally supportive Strong personal values and attitudes

Competition Skills That Enhance Performance Competition and cooperation involve complementary skills and values; they are not polar opposites. Even the argument that competition automatically leads to excellence is lost if lack of cooperation results in no strong opponent to compete against.

Peak Performance Charles Garfield studied the common traits of top performers in various fields and found they shared these traits: A sense of mission Work ethic Wise use of resources Superior preparation A love of challenge and change A desire to work as a team

“The great thing about sport is that it enables us to care passionately about something that doesn’t really matter.” --Scott Taylor, Winnipeg Free Press

Teaching Effective Competition Skills The key to effective competition is perspective. Strategies to develop perspective include emotional management—the acceptance and processing of feelings, and emotional preparation—the anticipation of possible feelings in competition and rehearsal of effective responses. (continued)

Teaching Effective Competition Skills (cont) Team-building can be an effective strategy for overcoming individual differences. “Pseudo” teams: the “disease of me” “Real” teams embrace competition and positive rivalries, and are committed to open, genuine, caring communication.