LibraryScenariosHow competition can kill the joy in what you love
Scenario

How competition can kill the joy in what you love

I used to love playing tennis but now I only think about my ranking and whether people are watching and I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a match.

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The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

External validation has replaced intrinsic motivation, corrupting the original source of pleasure.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Sports — playing and watching?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.