Embracing Competition: A Father's Insight on Life and Running
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Chapter 1: A Birthday Run
On my forty-third birthday, I embarked on a twelve-mile run with my son Max, who is on the brink of adulthood at almost eighteen years old. As the eldest of my four children, he shares my passion for running. The dry air of Palm Desert didn't hinder our spirits as we chatted throughout the run. I had introduced Max to the sport, and together we encouraged each other to improve.
During our run, we delved into various subjects including sports, life, and career aspirations. As Max prepares for college, he’s been pondering my past decisions and our family's history. Then he shared an intriguing perspective: "Every person should be treated like an opponent." Initially, his words struck me as harsh, but he clarified that this mindset is about resilience. Life isn't about being overly accommodating; it’s a competition at its core.
This concept of competition prompted me to reflect on my own tendencies. I realize that my empathetic nature has helped me navigate many challenges, yet it has also led to missed opportunities.
Section 1.1: The Competitive Spirit
I recalled moments from our basketball games in Cupertino a few years back. Max was deeply competitive, often making me uncomfortable with his intensity, whether he was going up against younger kids or skilled adults. I'd urge him to ease up, reminding him it was merely a game.
His response was unwavering: "I'm playing to win."
This competitive nature carried into our dinner conversations, where he confessed to feeling competitive even among family. He expressed this awareness with humility, recognizing it wasn’t something to boast about. I advised him to cultivate this drive by engaging with those who challenge him, even if it means occasional defeats, rather than seeking easy victories over less skilled opponents.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Shift to Running
Section 1.2: Competing Against Oneself
Interestingly, a couple of years ago, Max transitioned from tennis to running as his primary sport. In running, the competition often lies within oneself, striving to surpass personal bests. This raises a thought-provoking question: does Max’s notion of viewing everyone as an opponent also apply to the pursuit of self-improvement? Should we navigate life with ourselves as the ultimate competitor?
Chapter 2: Lessons in Competition
Max's reflections on competition lead us into deeper discussions.
In the first video, titled "Rule 5: Do not let your children do anything that makes you dislike them," the speaker explores the balance between discipline and empathy in parenting. This aligns with our ongoing conversations about raising competitive yet compassionate children.
The second video, "Priscilla Shirer: You Can Stand Against the Enemy with the Armor of God," emphasizes resilience and strength in facing challenges. It resonates with the idea that while competition is vital, so is the inner strength to stand firm in one’s beliefs and values.