Competition and being Competent

My father instilled in me that competition is for the competent.  It brings out the best, and it gives you a goal to work towards.  Sure competition sometimes causes heartaches, and sure, sometimes competitions cause you to hold grudges against people who beat you.  I know someone who still holds a grudge after he lost a competition 30+ years ago by a tenth of a point.  But none the less, competition forces you to want to do your best.  Is there anything wrong with wanting the best?  No.  The problem arises when you enter into the competition for the wrong reason.  You should never enter into a competition to win.  Entering a competition with the expectation that you WILL win only leads to the above mentioned heartaches and grudges.

Entering competitions have been some of the greatest experiences and hardest heartbreaks of my life.  I enter competitions because I get a rush out of competing.  The risk vs. reward is practically zilch:  I have worked hard at something I enjoy, thusly I'm better at it regardless of winning or losing.  For me, preparing for the competition makes me better.  The competition is then the icing on the cake.  I have won already, just by doing.  Make sense?  No?  Ok... I'll give you a quick scenario.

In 2009, I entered into the World Magic Seminar Teen Stage competition.  I wound up winning Second Place, behind the extremely talented Hiroki Hara.  Second place isn't a win, right?  Wrong.  In the process of preparing for the competition, I developed the CD and iPod Manipulation act that I still perform regularly, most recently at the Magic Castle in Hollywood California.  I was given tips from professional magicians from around the world at the WMS after my performances, and thanks to their tips, my act has gotten better by miles.  I've been invited to perform at Magic Conventions, and at well respected magic venues throughout the country.  Then, to top it all off, the director and producer of Make Believe liked my act and my story enough to want it featured in their award-winning documentary.  If you've made it this far, read back... Does second place really sound so bad?  No.  I won by doing what I love.

Competition truly does bring out the competent, but it also makes you be the best you that you can be.  One more thought my dad shared with me:  "Do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life."

Thanks Dad.  Love ya!