Pathfinder
Hexagram 38 Competition
The model of the moment: Diversity in opinion and method is as essential to human affairs as genetic diversity is to life itself. As evolution encourages a wealth of testing among large numbers of traits to determine the best species for a particular niche, so too does economic competition perform a similar service for society. As diversity is an element vital to the process, any system that goes too far in restricting it dooms itself to an early death; for others richer in variety will naturally overcome them. The blessing of functioning competition is a wealth of choices; the curse is that it will often drive us unmercifully towards our most productive place in the overall framework. Thus competition is a bittersweet thing. For every new delight it delivers to us, some one of us somewhere is forced out of an old position and into a new one ( and the change is not always welcome ). The rigors of competition extend even into our relationships; if another can better satisfy our lovers or friends, we may soon find ourselves alone. One important point of competition is gaining advantage over opponents. Often the competitor who scores first goes on to win the game, for example. This means in many contests, the opening moments often prove critical to the outcome of the event. Seasoned competitors are well aware of this, and will attempt to seize the initiative from newcomers immediately. The course usually recommended for such times: Though the phenomenon of competition itself is a juggernaut we cannot ( and should not ) necessarily stop, there are ways to make ourselves better players in the game. But in exploiting new methods, we should take care not to become so enthralled by the process itself that we forget who we are. Events can be surprisingly intense and demanding of us today, and promise only to become more so in the future. Don't lose your soul to the machine. To increase your ability to compete, be more discerning in your tastes. Not every opportunity that comes your way is necessarily worth pursuing. By being more selective, your resources can be better concentrated on those projects you do choose to undertake. And if the quality of your goals is higher than before, the 'return on your investment' should be greater as well. Consider too those instances where competition is already fierce, with many vying for the same prize. Do you really want to join such a massive bar room brawl? Is the goal worth it, in such cases? Some very valuable element might be languishing in a corner somewhere, still waiting to be discovered. The most famous and successful of entrepreneurs look for and find such uncontested treasures before others, and so avoid bruising confrontations in the market place ( at least, for the first few years after the staking of their claim ). Are there great treasures available for the taking? There always are. And those who find them first will enjoy a lack of competition ( or monopoly, in economic jargon ) in their pursuit and exploitation ( early on, anyway ). So being a pioneer, a trailblazer, or an innovator, can all help you to stay ahead and apart from the pack, insulating you somewhat from the rocky road that competition often brings with it.
Fixed (no changing lines);
This is a plateau process or event; the given model will hold true for an extended period of time. Attempts to manipulate events away from the present course could prove frustrating and fruitless, until destiny is satisfied. Consider the following as well as the above: Just because there's conflict here is no reason for you to easily give in, and subordinate your goals or yourself. Maintain your individuality.
Changing Lines:
1
A close association has been lost, due to misunderstanding. Maintain contact, but attempt no more than that. Healing will come naturally.
2
You may be surprised with help from an unexpected source. A shared goal has brought together two different but correct viewpoints. There is no mistake here.
3
Opposing elements penalize your progress. Possibly an untrustworthy person is actively working against you. Maintain your course and your correctness will triumph in the end.
4
You have effectively been isolated by your opposition. Though you are at risk in doing so, forming new alliances with others of like mind will produce progress. You have a good chance of finding such a companion now.
5
You overcome opposition with help from another. Leave behind the past to enjoy the present.
6
You have misunderstood the situation, and inadvertently isolated yourself from others as a result. Expect progress after you have reexamined your opinions. Your apprehension may be unfounded.
When all lines are changing;
Competition is healthy, up to a point. And often necessary for obtaining the best balance of results among a large group. So don't shy away from such things arbitrarily.