One of the most counterintuitive truths about sport and competition: the struggle against it often makes it worse. Acceptance — clearly misunderstood — is one of the most powerful tools available.
What Acceptance of Sport and Competition Actually Means
Acceptance does NOT mean:
- Liking or approving of sport and competition
- Giving up on getting better
- Thinking sport and competition is okay
Acceptance DOES mean:
- Acknowledging sport and competition without adding unnecessary struggle against the fact of its existence
- Allowing sport and competition to be present without fighting it into bigger problems
- Making room for sport and competition while still living your values
The ACT Approach to Sport and Competition
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses acceptance as a core tool: instead of fighting sport and competition, you learn to make room for it while committing to valued action regardless.
The Paradox of Accepting Sport and Competition
Many people find that when they stop fighting sport and competition and simply allow it, it loses intensity. The suffering of sport and competition is partly the struggle against it.