In today’s episode, we cover the science of competition with Ashley Merryman. Ashley is the Non-Resident Senior Fellow for the Joint Special Operations University and author of Top Dog: The Science of Winning and Losing.

Competition can be healthy and unhealthy, so how do you know the difference between healthy and unhealthy competition, what are the differences between how introverts and extroverts handle competition, and how does gender play a role in competition?

What to Listen For

Introduction – 0:00
What are the biggest myths surrounding competition and trying to be number one?
What are the benefits of competition?
Healthy vs Unhealthy Competition – 9:00
What is the difference between healthy competition and unhealthy competition?
Where does the fear of failure come from?
Overcome Fear of Failure – 15:30
What is the difference between a challenge and a threat and how can one lead you to failure while the other leads to success?
What can you do to overcome the fear of failure when you know people are watching you?
Don’t Think About Pink Elephants – 29:40
What can you do to start being competitive again after a severe loss?
What are the differences between men and women when it comes to competition and competitive environments?
What role does gender play in competition?
Introverts vs Extroverts in Competition – 56:20
Why do introverts and extroverts approach competition differently and how can you use that knowledge to improve your ability to compete whether you are an introvert or extrovert?

Competition can be a powerful motivator, but it’s important to make sure that you are using it in a healthy way. When competition becomes destructive and fear-based, it ruins our relationships and keeps us from achieving our goals. By understanding your own tendencies and working on overcoming your fears, you can learn to use competition in a positive way that unlocks your full potential.

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Resources from this Episode

Top Dog: The Science of Winning and Losing by Ashley Merryman
Ashley Merryman’s website
Ashley Merryman on Twitter

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