It's pretty strong in our American culture to compete and it's continually being nurtured by game companies, sports, and largely the media. Listen carefully to the words they use. Many descriptions of events, interactions and communications between people are often described in competitive terms even if there is no competition. It drives me batty so I try hard to ignore most mainstream media crap.

When younger I sure did want to be better, and often tried to 'out do' someone I was making music with...Then I woke up. Music between musicians is like sex, it's an experience to be shared.