So Money with Farnoosh Torabi 1898: The Hidden Cost of Competition: Redefining Success in a World Obsessed with Winning
Oct 29, 2025
Ruchika T. Malhotra, an inclusion strategist and author of 'Uncompete,' challenges the conventional notion that competition drives success. She explores how systemic barriers foster anxiety and intra-group rivalry, particularly among women. Ruchika advocates for a shift towards collaboration, abundance, and psychological safety to cultivate healthier workplace cultures. She discusses the impact of social media on feelings of inadequacy and encourages listeners to redefine success beyond competitive standards, inviting reflection on our obsession with winning.
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Competition Is Systemic Not Just Personal
- Competition is pervasive, wired into systems like workplaces, schools, and social media, not just individual behavior.
- Ruchika Malhotra argues we must recognize system-level competition before we can choose to opt out of it.
Pause Before You Compete
- Slow down your automatic impulse to compete and ask: do I want to engage in competition right now?
- Choosing not to compete can be a short-term loss but a long-term investment in inclusive cultures.
Coach For Learning Not Just Winning
- Teach kids to value learning, teamwork, and sportsmanship over winning and losing.
- Coaches and parents should set expectations that prioritize growth and respect, not self-worth tied to outcomes.
