To Be Competitive, Build Your Competence - Sadhguru

Summary

In this insightful dialogue, Sadhguru addresses the pervasive issue of competition-induced stress, emphasizing that it stems from a lack of competence rather than competition itself. He advocates for a shift in focus from amplifying desires to enhancing one's capabilities, suggesting that true joy lies in personal growth and breaking one's own limitations. Sadhguru humorously critiques the misplaced reliance on luck during exams, instead urging individuals to cultivate competence. He envisions a vibrant educational environment where children are constantly evolving, akin to the sound of eggs hatching, symbolizing the breaking of personal barriers.

Takeaways

• 😌 **Competition is Natural**: Sadhguru views competition as a positive aspect of life when one is competent.
• 🤔 **Stress Comes from Incompetence**: The stress associated with competition arises from a lack of self-confidence in one's abilities.
• 💪 **Focus on Competence**: Instead of merely increasing desires, one should work on enhancing personal competence.
• 👶 **Educate Children on Competence**: It's crucial to teach children to develop their skills and competence rather than just fostering ambition.
• 🚫 **Ambition Without Competence Leads to Suffering**:单纯追求野心而忽视能力提升会导致痛苦。
• 🏆 **Competence Over Desire**: Success in competition comes from competence, not just from having big desires.
• 🙏 **Misplaced Priorities**: Seeking divine intervention for success in exams, instead of focusing on competence, is highlighted as a societal issue.
• 🌟 **Joy in Personal Growth**: There is joy in breaking personal limitations and growing beyond what is expected.
• 🏫 **Schools as Places of Growth**: Sadhguru likens the ideal school environment to the sounds of eggs hatching, symbolizing continuous growth and breaking of limitations.
• 🏃 **Personal Progress Over Comparison**: When focusing on personal progress and expanding competence, there's no need to compare oneself with others.

Q & A

What is Sadhguru's perspective on competition?

Sadhguru believes competition is a good thing, but the stress arises from a lack of competence rather than the competition itself.

Why does Sadhguru say that being in a competition can cause stress?

Sadhguru suggests that stress in competition comes from being incompetent, implying that enhancing one's skills and competence can alleviate this stress.

What does Sadhguru suggest is the problem with the current approach to competition?

Sadhguru points out that the problem lies in people tweaking their desires rather than their competence, leading to suffering.

How does Sadhguru propose we should teach children to handle competition?

Sadhguru recommends teaching children to focus on enhancing their competence instead of merely increasing their ambitions or desires.

What is the difference between ambition and competence according to Sadhguru?

Ambition, as Sadhguru explains, is about increasing one's desires, which can lead to suffering. Competence, on the other hand, is about improving one's skills and abilities, leading to success in competition.

Why does Sadhguru criticize the belief that education is perfect or divine?

Sadhguru criticizes this belief because it can lead to complacency and a lack of focus on developing real competence, instead of just relying on external factors like divine intervention.

What is the irony in people visiting temples before exams, as mentioned by Sadhguru?

Sadhguru finds it ironic because seeking divine help at the last moment for exams indicates a lack of preparedness and competence, rather than focusing on consistent learning and skill development.

What does Sadhguru suggest as an alternative to focusing on competition?

Instead of focusing on competition, Sadhguru suggests focusing on breaking personal limitations and expanding one's competence, which brings joy and success naturally.

How does Sadhguru describe the sound of a classroom that is focused on breaking limitations?

Sadhguru humorously suggests that a classroom focused on breaking limitations should sound like eggs hatching, symbolizing the continuous emergence of new potential.

What is the message Sadhguru conveys about personal growth and competition?

Sadhguru's message is that personal growth through expanding competence is more important than competition. If one is growing and breaking limitations, they won't have time to compare themselves with others.

What is the ultimate outcome Sadhguru envisions if one focuses on enhancing their competence?

Sadhguru envisions that if one consistently works on enhancing their competence, they will naturally perform better than expected, leading to success without the need to worry about others' performance.