How to Deal With Constant Competition

Competition exists in most elements of daily life. It can be found any time there is a finite amount of resources and multiple people vying for them, whether those resources be romantic partners, jobs, parking spaces or the last shopping cart at the grocery store. The constant competition can be stressful, especially if it is more prevalent in your particular job or relationships. Dealing with constant competition in healthy ways can help minimize daily stress.

Instructions

1. Rate how important a particular competition is. For example, competing over an empty parking space or an online auction is often a waste of energy and resources. Pick your battles and compete when the outcome really matters to you.

2. Set specific performance goals for yourself. If you're competing for a promotion at work, improving your work can help you achieve your goal. If you're trying to get a date with someone you like, smiling more at him or starting up a conversation the next day can help you stand out from others. Breaking competitions down to actionable steps for yourself helps you focus and can alleviate stress.

3. Examine what your competition is doing right that you can use to improve yourself. If a coworker is having success by getting to work early and by preparing reports early, start employing those habits yourself. Learn from those around you to make yourself better.

4. Work on improving your strengths and hiding your weaknesses. For example, if your business has higher prices but offers outstanding customer service, downplay the price difference but emphasize the customer experience in your advertising.

References

• The Next Web; Startups: Dealing With The Competition; Tolu Babalola; October 2010
• Psychology Today; The Game Theory of Female Competition; Mark D. White; February 2011
• All Business Answers; How to Deal with Competitors; Bradford Shrimp; September 2009