In a recent LinkedIn post, Gary Vaynerchuk discusses the importance of how parents handle children with a strong competitive drive. The entrepreneur and media personality shared his perspective on embracing, rather than suppressing, a child’s inherent desire to win.
Embracing the ‘Competitive Winner’
Vaynerchuk’s post is directed towards parents who may be at a loss on how to manage a child that exhibits a pronounced competitive nature. He emphasizes that this trait, often perceived as simply being ‘just a game,’ is in fact a significant gift that should be nurtured. He states:
“This is a post for the parents who are lucky enough to have birthed a winner and maybe confused just a tad on how to handle a little competitive winner .. don’t dim her or his light … competition dna is a gift ..and they will calibrate it over time .. its not “just a game” .. for those .. and that’s a great thing”
According to Vaynerchuk, the instinct to compete is not something to be downplayed. He argues that parents should avoid the temptation to temper this spirit, suggesting that children will naturally learn to manage and refine their competitive edge as they mature. This perspective challenges the common notion that excessive competition in youth is detrimental.
The Value of Competitive DNA
Gary Vaynerchuk highlights that ‘competition dna’ is a valuable asset. He suggests that this innate drive, when properly understood and supported, can lead to future success. Rather than viewing it as a potentially negative trait that needs to be controlled, Vaynerchuk frames it as a powerful characteristic that contributes to a winner’s mindset.
As Vaynerchuk points out, the calibration of this competitive spirit is an ongoing process. He implies that with time and experience, individuals will develop the wisdom to apply their competitive drive appropriately. He writes:
“its not “just a game” .. for those .. and that’s a great thing”
This sentiment underscores Vaynerchuk’s belief that the drive to excel and win, when present from a young age, is a fundamental component of high achievers. He encourages parents to recognize this potential and provide an environment that allows it to flourish, rather than be stifled.
A Call for Supportive Parenting
In essence, Gary Vaynerchuk’s message is a call to action for parents to be supportive of their children’s competitive nature. Instead of trying to moderate it, he advises parents to let their children’s ‘light’ shine. He believes that this approach is far more beneficial in the long run for developing resilient and successful individuals.
Vaynerchuk concludes by reinforcing the positive aspect of this trait:
“don’t dim her or his light … competition dna is a gift”
His insights suggest that understanding and valuing a child’s competitive spirit is key to fostering their development into capable and driven adults.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Gary Vaynerchuk on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on May 6, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →