The Worry of Falling Behind: A Pessimism Fueled by Unjust Comparisons

The purpose of speech and debate has shifted dramatically from the original intention behind its creation. It started as an opportunity to see different perspectives, a way to learn about the presentation of ideas, and a way for students to learn about the government, politics, and foreign affairs. I'm not saying speech and debate don't include all of this in the present; they have become less about learning and more about college applications.

As the drive to get into Ivy Leagues, state colleges, and esteemed universities increases, so does the competitiveness of speech and debate events, leading us all to ask one question: Am I falling behind?

The worry of falling behind stems from something quite familiar in debate — anxiety. Seeing talented debaters final in National Circuit tournaments in their sophomore year, no matter the event, sends fear through our bodies, causing us to ask ourselves if our efforts are truly enough. The effects of this newfound pessimism relay through high schoolers, particularly in freshmen and juniors.

Ninth grade, or freshman year, is the year that most people begin their venture into speech and debate. However, as simple as it may seem to start in the novice division, falling behind feels all the same. Most perceive debate as a high school event, but its expansion into middle school has had an immense effect in recent years. Students who enter high school debate with middle school experience start by performing significantly better than students who have just begun. Inherently, they end up advancing in big tournaments, finaling, or even champing in tournaments of all levels. The success of these prior middle school stars may be well deserved, but to those without the same level of experience, it feels as if they aren't doing enough. Comparing yourself with someone familiar with the rules of the event and who has competed many times before is simply an unfair comparison; it’s like comparing apples to oranges. So, to all my novices who have an itching worry that you cannot ever rank above a competitor who has competed in middle school, remember that practice is a step to progress, and that progress happens gradually. In fact, there have been many debaters who started in high school and currently place above those who participated in middle school speech and debate.

Next up we have junior year — the year we see speech and debate's new popularity in action and the year of college applications. Most aim to final or place, whether in national circuit tournaments, such as Harvard, Princeton, Yale, or Blue Key, or qualifier/bid-based tournaments, including TOC, NCFL, and NSDA Nationals. However, only so many people can break into final rounds or earn bids. The most significant effect of debate's purpose and its movement into college applications has been the loss of genuine passion for debate. High schoolers, especially juniors, forget that it is okay if you didn't do as well as you expected, especially if you had fun and felt passionate about doing something you genuinely enjoy. To all of you juniors having mental breakdowns after not making it to the next round or after breaks come out, your rank at a high school debate tournament does not define you. Yes, college applications are essential. However, Stanford will not reject you because you weren't the Harvard High School Debate Tournament champion.

The constant comparison does nothing but stunt your growth as a competitor. Believing in oneself has never been more essential for success.

Freshmen and juniors are not the only ones who constantly fear falling behind. It is universal for all grade levels. Do the grades I've mentioned previously show sudden pessimism more often? Yes. However, that doesn't mean they are the only ones unfairly comparing themselves to others. As of late, the class of 2027 has been filled to the brim with finalists of national circuit tournaments and champions of various invitationals. The same can be said for the graduating class of 2025. Trying to build a resume and meet the high expectations has never felt more imperative, causing worry and stress. Sophomores and seniors, someone in your grade level may have been excelling in speech and debate events. While it's okay to look up to them and want to work towards their status, in the end, it’s essential to focus on your career and your goals.

Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” This one quote echoes throughout speech and debate as competitors compare themselves with other debaters. Obviously, I can’t tell you to stop comparing yourself to others — it’s a human thing to do — but try a few tips that experts from Psychology Today suggest…

Tip #1: Avoid things and negative thoughts that trigger these negative comparisons.
This includes reminiscing on old ranks, looking at how other people placed at tournaments, and more. There are instances where old ballots can be helpful, but if you know that looking at them will lead to unhealthy comparisons, try to avoid it.

Tip #2: Show gratefulness and think positively about your own achievements.
I can guarantee that all of us have achieved something. Don’t even try to lie about it. Even if it’s the smallest thing — whether it’s placing at locals, finishing all your prep, or any sign of improvement — it’s still an achievement. Before comparing yourself with others, it's essential to remind yourself of all the great things you can do and have done. Foster positivity in your own thoughts!

Tip #3: Use comparisons as a healthy way to work towards your goal.
When looking at other people’s ranks or asking ourselves the question of whether we are falling behind, we all internally contain a reason as to why we are making these comparisons. Maybe they have a certain aspect or flair that they add in their speeches that you want to include. Maybe it's the style of warranting that you feel is essential for improvement. Instead of sitting in a slump of pessimism, use their qualities as a goal and a way to pursue that goal. Comparisons can serve to set a healthy target toward a goal, but one must never let that comparison be a reason for pessimism — only a reason for perseverance.

Now the golden answer to the very question everyone has been thinking about: Are you falling behind? The answer is quite simple — you are not. Internalize this and ensure that pessimistic energy does not truly stunt your growth. Don’t let those comparisons steal your joy.