competition is catalyst
I believe many of us spent time in various activities during childhood - sports, music, art classes. A teacher or coach, homework, constant practice. All of this repeats over and over until skills are honed to perfection and become automatic. The teacher helps correct mistakes, point out flaws, guide you in the right direction. But everything has its limit - a teacher has a limit to what they can teach you.
And then comes the moment of truth - you're sent to a competition or contest. You demonstrate all your mastery, all the skills you've been honing day after day, but... "Wait, I lost? How is that possible, I've been training all this time, how can I lose to some kid? Is he - better than me?"
Desire, passion, enthusiasm. It all starts burning even faster, engulfing everything you've done before like a fiery tornado. Practice, learn, hone skills. Faster, stronger, better. Every night you fall asleep seeing the silhouette of that unbeatable one... Next time I'll show him, he'll see what I'm capable of, I'll become better than him.
Competition, rivalry, battle. This is what pushes many to exceed their limits that seemed insurmountable. And while it might not drive everyone to action, it definitely drives me.