Comments on: Life is Not a Competition http://www.mike-robbins.com/blog/2009/07/life-is-not-a-competition/ The Power of Appreciation Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:06:20 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5 By: Rebekah http://www.mike-robbins.com/blog/2009/07/life-is-not-a-competition/#comment-457 Rebekah Sun, 26 Jul 2009 00:40:37 +0000 http://www.mike-robbins.com/blog/?p=154#comment-457 You are unusually honest! And not only that, you have a rare ability to thoughtfully analyze not only what you feel, but why. Thank you for sharing so bravely and openly. It helps all of us in our own quest for growth. You are unusually honest! And not only that, you have a rare ability to thoughtfully analyze not only what you feel, but why. Thank you for sharing so bravely and openly. It helps all of us in our own quest for growth.

]]> By: Barbara Larcom http://www.mike-robbins.com/blog/2009/07/life-is-not-a-competition/#comment-456 Barbara Larcom Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:36:53 +0000 http://www.mike-robbins.com/blog/?p=154#comment-456 You're certainly right that there is a lot of competition and jealousy in our society. I believe this results largely from our capitalist system, which places a huge emphasis on winning and losing. I've seen a difference in the level of competitiveness, for example, between the US and some Third World countries like Nicaragua, where people must depend on each other to survive. I also think that women in the US have historically been less affected by competition - in fact, their role has been to nurture and promote supportive relationships - although this is less true today. You don't mention another alternative to "positive" or "negative" competition, which is a system in which we are ALL PARTNERS, COOPERATING to create a better world. When I see every other person as a partner, I can appreciate the talents and skills they bring, and I lose any jealousy I may have been inclined to feel. You’re certainly right that there is a lot of competition and jealousy in our society. I believe this results largely from our capitalist system, which places a huge emphasis on winning and losing. I’ve seen a difference in the level of competitiveness, for example, between the US and some Third World countries like Nicaragua, where people must depend on each other to survive. I also think that women in the US have historically been less affected by competition - in fact, their role has been to nurture and promote supportive relationships - although this is less true today.

You don’t mention another alternative to “positive” or “negative” competition, which is a system in which we are ALL PARTNERS, COOPERATING to create a better world. When I see every other person as a partner, I can appreciate the talents and skills they bring, and I lose any jealousy I may have been inclined to feel.

]]> By: Lupe http://www.mike-robbins.com/blog/2009/07/life-is-not-a-competition/#comment-455 Lupe Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:33:28 +0000 http://www.mike-robbins.com/blog/?p=154#comment-455 you must have written the other clipping I have on the side of my desk about Be Real, Not Right -why do I have to be right with this situation? -what am I afraid will happen if I give up my righteous position -what is it that I really want from this person or in this situation -what are the underlying emotions that I have not been willing or able to express -what would it take for me to let go of being right with this person or this situation you must have written the other clipping I
have on the side of my desk about
Be Real, Not Right

-why do I have to be right with this situation?

-what am I afraid will happen if I give up my righteous position

-what is it that I really want from this person or in this situation

-what are the underlying emotions that I have not been willing or able to express

-what would it take for me to let go of being right with this person or this situation

]]> By: Jan A. Coleman http://www.mike-robbins.com/blog/2009/07/life-is-not-a-competition/#comment-454 Jan A. Coleman Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:37:51 +0000 http://www.mike-robbins.com/blog/?p=154#comment-454 Mike-- You hit my nail on the head with this one. Something I am trying to be more conscious about every waking moment, both for myself and for the messages I'm giving to my 9th grade, soccer-playing daughter. Thanks for summarizing so succinctly and for pointing out ways to effect change. Mike–
You hit my nail on the head with this one. Something I am trying to be more conscious about every waking moment, both for myself and for the messages I’m giving to my 9th grade, soccer-playing daughter. Thanks for summarizing so succinctly and for pointing out ways to effect change.

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