Definition
The term self‑competition does not appear in major encyclopedic references as an established concept. Consequently, no widely accepted definition is available.
Overview
While the phrase combines the words “self” and “competition,” its usage is rare and context‑dependent. It has been employed informally in various domains—such as personal development, psychology, and business—to denote the idea of an individual or entity challenging or comparing oneself to one’s own prior performance or standards. However, no consensus definition or systematic study of the term has been documented in scholarly literature.
Etymology / Origin
The word self derives from Old English self meaning “the same person.” Competition comes from Latin competere (“to strive together”). The compound likely originated by straightforward lexical combination to convey the notion of internal rivalry or self‑comparison. Accurate information on the first recorded use of self‑competition is not confirmed.
Characteristics
Because the term lacks formal recognition, any described characteristics are speculative and based on its linguistic components:
- Internal benchmarking: Comparing current performance against one's own past results.
- Motivational framing: Using personal standards as a source of drive or pressure.
- Iterative improvement: Engaging in repeated cycles of self‑assessment and goal‑setting.
These aspects reflect typical themes associated with self‑directed challenges, but their attribution specifically to self‑competition remains unverified.
Related Topics
- Self‑regulation
- Goal setting
- Intrinsic motivation
- Self‑monitoring
- Competitive self‑assessment
Note: The absence of reliable encyclopedic sources means that self‑competition is not recognized as a distinct, widely documented concept. Any further elaboration would be conjectural.