I’ve always felt the rush of excitement before a competition—the thrill of trying to do my best, the anticipation of winning, and the challenge of pushing myself further than I thought I could. But there’s also a side to competition that’s not so glamorous. I’ve seen students overwhelmed by the pressure to win, to perform better than their peers, and to meet the expectations of teachers, parents, and even themselves. Sometimes, it feels like the whole school system revolves around the idea that success is measured by who finishes first, gets the highest score, or outshines others in every challenge. And yet, I’ve often wondered: Are competitions helping us grow or pushing us too hard?
For many, school competitions—academic contests, sports, or extracurricular activities—can be a way to shine, prove their abilities, and gain recognition. But for others, they can become a source of stress, anxiety, and even burnout. As we reflect on the role of competition in education, it’s essential to ask: Is competition truly helping students, or is it hindering their growth in ways we might not always see?
The pressure to perform: is it worth it?
There’s no denying the motivation that competitions bring. The drive to outperform others can push students to study harder, practice longer, and challenge themselves in ways they might not if left to their own devices. This extra effort often leads to growth in academics, sports, or personal skills. The reward of recognition, whether through a trophy, a scholarship, or a sense of achievement, can inspire students to keep improving.
However, this drive to win can also come with a heavy price. For some students, the pressure to compete can overshadow their love of learning or the joy of participating. When winning becomes the sole focus, it’s easy to forget that the actual value of learning lies in the process, not just the result. For many, this pressure leads to stress, anxiety, and a sense of inadequacy if they don’t come out on top. The comparison to others can become toxic, especially when students feel like they’re constantly measuring themselves against their peers’ achievements.
Building resilience or anxiety?
While healthy competition can teach resilience and perseverance, it can also inadvertently foster unhealthy anxiety. For students who struggle with pressure or perfectionism, competition can become a battleground where only the “best” are celebrated, leaving others feeling left behind or overlooked. This creates a divide—those who thrive in competitive environments and those who feel crushed under the weight.
However, this doesn’t mean that competition is inherently flawed. Resilience is a crucial skill that students need to develop, and the challenge of bouncing back from setbacks or learning from failures is an important life lesson. The key is ensuring that competition doesn’t become about ‘winning at all costs’, but rather about pushing oneself to grow, to do better, and to keep improving—even if the finish line looks different for everyone.
The importance of balance
The traditional competitive model in schools often pits students against each other, but what if we could shift the focus to collaboration? In a world where teamwork, cooperation, and collective problem-solving are becoming more important than individual achievement, it’s essential to consider how competition can coexist with collaboration. Team-based competitions or challenges that require students to work together can foster a sense of shared accomplishment rather than the singular focus on individual success.
By emphasising collaboration over individual competition, we help students see that success doesn’t have to come at the expense of others. This approach nurtures an environment that focuses on collective achievement and growth, creating a healthier and more supportive atmosphere for all students.
Some schools have already found ways to balance competition with well-being. For instance, some have shifted from traditional grading systems to project-based learning or team-oriented challenges, where students are rewarded for their achievements and ability to work with others, think critically, and solve problems creatively. These competitions focus on learning and growth rather than just winning, which helps to reduce the stress and anxiety that often come with traditional competitive models.
Additionally, some schools embrace non-competitive activities, offering students opportunities to explore their interests without the pressure to win. Through art projects, community service, or personal development challenges, students are encouraged to engage in activities that foster creativity, personal growth, and a sense of fulfilment rather than focusing solely on the competitive aspect.
So, where does this leave us? Are competitions a healthy part of the educational system, or should we rethink their place in our schools? The truth lies somewhere in between. When approached with balance, competition can motivate students to strive for excellence, build resilience, and develop skills they might not discover otherwise. However, it’s essential to recognise the limitations of competition and the harm it can cause if it’s overly emphasised or if students are made to feel that their worth is defined by the prizes they win or the grades they achieve.
Ultimately, the healthiest approach encourages students to compete with themselves, improve and grow at their own pace, and celebrate the diverse ways everyone can succeed. By finding the right balance between competition and collaboration, we can ensure that all students can thrive — whether standing at the top of the podium or working together to achieve something great.
Originally Published on Ceylon Today
