There are multiple levels of competition that we either observe, or that we don’t even notice. Classifying them into separate categories of competition can help to give us a better sense of where the real battles are, and where battles are being won in a split-second. It is also beneficial to seek out the competition that is not particularly visible, as that can be the most powerful kind. Here I discuss three levels of competition:
1. Neck-and-Neck Competition
Neck-and-neck competition is the kind of competition that is most constructive to both parties involved. They are close to each other in rank or position, and are continually trying to top each other. Very little competition stays at this level for long, because one side pulls strongly ahead soon enough.
-this is the one we think of most when thinking of competition, but is the least common kind
2. Above-Below Competition
Above-below competition is when one is considerably ahead, and the other is trying to catch up, but the one who is ahead only has to do a little to maintain his lead. This is pretty tough for the one who is behind, as he has to work very hard to even have a chance at taking the lead, and could be easily overtaken again in the process.
-this type of competition is fairly common, and fits into people’s thoughts as the underdog looking to rise to prominence
3. Crushing Competition
This is the competition that we don’t tend to hear about. It is where someone wants to compete in something, sees the leader or leaders in that category, and gives up that effort before even starting. The rank, esteem, multi-faceted skill set, diligence, or other qualities of the members of high position scare off the potential competitor before he even sets foot in that field.
We don’t hear about this because the decision to not take part in something is so quickly made and switched away from that even the decider may not notice what took place. Also, if someone does make the avoidance choice consciously, it is not likely they would share it with others, for fear of unnecessarily looking weak or incompetent.
For every very successful person, there are numerous people that quit their efforts in the same field as that person due to their success. Some will see 5 years of success from someone, and think to themselves that it would take 5 years to catch up to where they are now, let alone where they would be after 5 years as well. The error here is that a multitude of issues could affect the leader’s success, and the one looking to catch up also has an enormous amount of options to propel up quicker(which would entail much effort). People who think small look at the large initial separation in rank, while people who think big view it as a manageable separation that can be reduced to the point of no separation at all, and entry into the highly successful group.
-this is the type of competition that is least thought of, but is the most common
It is said that the way to win an argument is to not take part in it, or that the way to succeed in something is to quit and move on to the next step earlier than others. In the same way, presenting yourself as an esteemed individual in a certain category is the optimal way to keep loads of competition away without a battle even taking place, as your competition will quit before they even start down the road against you.