How do I unpack a moment when my competitive side came out of nowhere?

Start by replaying the scene briefly: where were you, who was there, and what set it off? In Stoic, write 5–8 sentences naming the trigger, the first thought you had, and the body sensations you noticed. Then list the emotions that followed (e.g., excitement, envy, fear). Apply a Stoic lens: separate what was in your control (your effort, conduct, words) from what wasn’t (others’ performance, results). Close with one sentence on what value you want to embody next time (fairness, courage, excellence).

I felt proud and ashamed at the same time—how can I journal about mixed emotions without judging myself?

Use two columns: Left = “What happened,” Right = “What it meant to me.” For each feeling, add a compassionate note: “Pride → I value excellence.” “Shame → I worried I crossed a line.” Briefly thank each emotion for the message it carried, then decide one small behavior that aligns with your values (e.g., celebrate others’ wins). In Stoic, keep it short—3 lines per emotion—so you observe rather than argue with yourself.

My surprise competitiveness seems tied to fear of failure at work. What’s a quick journaling drill to reset my mindset?

Try this 5-minute drill: 1) Name the fear in one sentence (“If I don’t outperform, I’ll be overlooked”). 2) Reality check: write 3 facts that neither exaggerate nor minimize the situation. 3) Control check: list two actions you can take today (prepare, ask for feedback) and two things to release (others’ opinions, the final decision). 4) Reframe to process: “My aim is progress and integrity, not comparison.” Save it in Stoic and revisit before high-stakes tasks.

Journaling Idea - On Competitions.

When has your competitive side surprised you?

Describe the moment you didn’t expect it to show up. What emotions did it spark?

Journal in Stoic

Written by

Natalia Łobodzińska

Published on

Nov 12, 2025

Journal in Stoic

HowTo=target

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking to learn moreabout emotions?

Find hundreds of quotes, affirmations, lessons, guided journals, and so much more in stoic.

Natalia Łobodzińska

Head of Content at stoic.

Natalia oversees all content inside the Stoic app — from guided journals to daily prompts. She works closely with therapists and writers to make sure every word helps users reflect and grow. She also manages translations to keep the experience thoughtful and consistent across languages.

When has your competitive side surprised you?

Join the Minimal Newsletter

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you think about this?

How do you think about this?

How do you think about this?

Looking to learn moreabout emotions?

More prompts on On Competitions