The Competitive Edge

[NewsTeam]

The color red and performing last in the rink.

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[GOD]

Pack Mentalities
Among elite athletes who endure the intense swim-bike-run race called the Ironman, those leading the pack have a different mind-set than stragglers. Top competitors are more likely to focus on each step of the race than are those who perform poorly.
The minds of those who bring up the rear are often cluttered with unfocused thoughts and actions, including high-fiving spectators and fiddling with their clothing.

So are we talking the P versus the J function? I think so. J is procedural and stepping out a mind map....

Most J's early in their lives realise they can perform better in sports with some strategy. Its just not pure fitness or ability that always wins through... hare versus tortoise analogy.

In evolutionary biology/psychology terms -> supposedly we on the savannah followed a marathon approach to hunting wild game that would constantly keep ahead in short speed bursts, but eventually would be worn down with endless pursuit... the thinking and Judging hunter.

[Louie]

Hmmm, I just don't know...is it that easy to categorise?

I am a distance runner, have always scored high on the old P. Obviously I have talent, train, all that, but there is a switch that goes on in the head, it's a kind of neon light, seared into the brain thing, you are out here to win...there is no consideration for 2nd or 3rds..or competing for the sheer joy, (it is fun though), it's all about extracting the absolute best from yourself and believing you can win.

I don't know where that comes from, or recognise what it exactly is. I am regional/state record holder for quite a few events...so I am successful, it's no pipe dream. I think this may sound a little crazy too, but I think I can influence my cardiovascular system, I think at times I can actually slow my heart rate.

So, my focus is winning, it is most intense...pink fairies could run in front of me and I would not see them...maybe this is P turning into J? Is that what being a J feels like?

[Louie]

You understand I do not consider myself a strategy type person, there are always options and change, always plan (s) A, B through to Z sub (iv)

Is it focus? perhaps, self belief? I am the best, I will win. I feel invincible. I literally feel invincible, I am not even aware of other people in the race. If there is a challenge from someone, I couldn't tell you if it was male/female/dress color, anything apart from a sense of "something" and to overcome it.

Somekind of zone thing.

[GOD]

Hmmm, I just don't know...is it that easy to categorise?

I am a distance runner, have always scored high on the old P. Obviously I have talent, train, all that, but there is a switch that goes on in the head, it's a kind of neon light, seared into the brain thing, you are out here to win...there is no consideration for 2nd or 3rds..or competing for the sheer joy, (it is fun though), it's all about extracting the absolute best from yourself and believing you can win.

I don't know where that comes from, or recognise what it exactly is. I am regional/state record holder for quite a few events...so I am successful, it's no pipe dream. I think this may sound a little crazy too, but I think I can influence my cardiovascular system, I think at times I can actually slow my heart rate.

So, my focus is winning, it is most intense...pink fairies could run in front of me and I would not see them...maybe this is P turning into J? Is that what being a J feels like?

Hi Louie,

It’s late but I'll chuck in my 2c worth.

The "P" function from what I've seen (of the questions asked) is somewhat vague. Effectively it’s more about "are you organised". In my day to day life I am totally disorganised simply because of the volume of things I do in parallel, it’s impossible to do everything and I just deal with the most important things and let everything else slide... so anybody seeing me in action would think I'm P although I'm a J.

I think Triathlon is more strategy as it would be easy to burn yourself out. But you are right, the P or J type mentality wouldn't play as bigger role... but the J might come more into its own with training and discipline I'd say. Quite possibly I'd say some introverts probably have that absolute will to win that extroverts probably never bottle up.

In terms of influencing the breathing system, I used to have major mind over matter battles while I was running races, my body would just want to give up by my mind would never let it.

But I'm glad I don't do sport anymore.. As nothing really can be achieved by sport, it is effectively recreation... If I am honest I really only enjoyed team sports, individual sports was with the most impossibly competitive person... and that was myself.