When is competition valuable?

I think that healthy competition is a great way to build character and is necessary for evolution, whether it's with others or with ourselves. I like the distinction of competing with as opposed to competing against. The latter can often lead to negativity and division, while the former can lead to positive growth and connection/camaraderie. In recognizing that taking anything too far can be harmful though, competition may not always be appropriate and can even be a significant cause of excess stress and anxiety if our lives revolve around it.

Personally, I grew up in a family with a lot of healthy competition and I know that we've all become closer and have grown because of it. Even with the occasional dispute ;) we seemed to create deeper bonds as we responded to each other with respect and openness.

In fact, it seems to me that competition is a natural phenomenon that impacts virtually every facet of life, including the natural world. For example, competition supports the survival and development of healthy plants and animals, it has positive effects on creativity and innovation in the marketplace... Even the survival and growth of the human species is dependent in some measure on natural competition. I don't see a functioning planet without it.