Call it what you will, I call it inspiring. I take joy in intellectual and physical challenges, like playing basketball with guys younger than me and being able to hold my own. They challenge me. There is someone out there that is better than me. Catching them is what I strive for.
Competition does build character.
Trying to be better than someone else at that very moment and rising to the challenge. If you succeed you feel 100 feet tall. If you fail, you learn that there is no next time. Failure can bring joy. Sorrow can bring joy.