Quote Originally Posted by Sharla View Post
Quote Originally Posted by Salty View Post
10) Competition. Being challenged by a worthy opponent, or the prospect of winning or outperforming yourself
I thrive off competition, against others and myself. I don't know why I'm like this, but I am very competitive and some could say I have an addictive personality. Although it seems to work well with sports as you try to push your body to the limits. When you find someone who has managed to get to a level beyond yours, it gives you something to aim for.
I'm a lot like this myself. It can sometimes backfire when training with people who don't like competition even if you're just running sprints so i've learnt to turn it off around some people.

I think that kinda sucks though because it's a huge part of my motivation and to have to pander to other's sensitivities can mean you have to hold back too much.

On the other hand when you can be competitive in sparring and you're reasonably well matched with someone else who likes competition it can turn into a non technical slug fest way too easily!

The middle ground is so hard to find!

I'm the same as Von in that if other areas of my life are out of control I find it hard to perform the same way. I think I just use up all my emotional energy stressing and then have nothing left.

As for other reasons I'm motivated long term health and fitness is a biggie. I want to be a machine at eighty. When I'm old and can hopefully afford it I want to do a lot of active holiday type things and really live life to the full. Waking up one day fat and unable to move around is my greatest fear because i know how quickly it could happen if i let it!

I'm not sure if fears are as good motivationally as positive things though. They're not meant to be according to what i've read.

Good thread Chris
I don't pander to people's ability when it comes to the fitness section of boxing, the people who are there for that section obviously need someone to push them.

The only time I find that I really need a challenge is in the beep test, it can make the difference between me getting 12's or late 13's. If everyone is dropped out by 10 it's hard to get that extra bit of effort out though.

I disagree with the sparring though, I've very rarely gotten into just a slugging match. I think the trainer would stop the sparring if it ever came to that. But when I get hit cleanly or get dominated by someone, it gives you something to shadow box against. How can I overcome him, what did I do wrong, etc.

I think that competitive instinct is vital and a blessing, otherwise you just don't care if someone is better than you.