One of the main reasons I do triathlons is to try to live as long as possible, so my wife, kids, and as yet unborn grandkids will have me around for a long, long time. While I may think that this is an altruistic sentiment, it may be, in fact, narcissistic. After all, **I **am “assuming” that they reallly want me around. I’m looking at it from my point of view. After all, if **I **was them, I’d want me around, wouldn’t I?. Could it be that I really am a narcissist and not a great altruist after all? NAH!
I used to think I was paranoid until I realized it was just that everyone is out to get me.
4 entries found for narcissism. nar·cis·sism ( P ) Pronunciation Key (närs-szm) also nar·cism (-szm) n. Excessive love or admiration of oneself. See Synonyms at conceit. A psychological condition characterized by self-preoccupation, lack of empathy, and unconscious deficits in self-esteem.
Definition #1 is what we usually think of when we think of a narcissistic person. But the original question was regarding Definition #2, which seems a bit different to me.
Isn’t it possible to be “self-preoccupied” without being “self-admiring”?
“Isn’t it possible to be “self-preoccupied” without being “self-admiring”?”
All kidding aside, I think you are right here. Ted Bundy was a text-book narcissist. His picture should be next to definition #2 below in the dictionary. I am not a psychologist or psychiatrist, but in my opinion, most triathletes, while somewhat self-preoccupied, don’t really rise to the level of a true narcissitic personality.
My wife told me at the first race I went to that triathlon isn’t for self-conscious people. How many girls or guys do you know outside of triathlon that are willing to spend hours in public with no makeup on and with that wonderful helmet hair you can only get just out of the water not to mention the overabundance of lyrca and the of so fashionable race numbers.
As for a lack of empathy I cut a tire during a race here in New Mexico. As I was standing by the side of the road almost everyone going by said something to me like ‘Bummer’ or ‘That Sucks’. It helps a lot when everyone on the course cares enough to say something when you are having a rough time
Triathletes IMHO are no more narcissistic than any other group (by percentage) I would say we are all freaks but no self-centered to the point of fault.
Wow, I was gone over the weekend announcing at the Subaru Iceman Cometh Mountain Bike Challenge. I had no idea this thread would attract so much attention. Interesting. some good insights.
I think there certainly are some narcissists in tri, but it’s not an epidemic. Most people train/race because it’s fun. They want to get faster to kick other peoples asses in the race, but at the end of the day most people you meet in the sport are pretty cool.
Wow, I was gone over the weekend announcing at the Subaru Iceman Cometh Mountain Bike Challenge. I had no idea this thread would attract so much attention. Interesting. some good insights.
Probably the most interesting tidbit of this thread… The fact that page two of ST would be considered a large amount of attention. Oh how ST has grown.
I would give a serious reply, but I can’t instagram it and add hashtags. However, if you follow me, I will follow you back. Or maybe a like for a like?
This had the potential to be a great thread, but in true triathlete fashion, most took it too seriously eyeroll
While some are unquestionably narcissistic, I optimistically think most lack self awareness . Part of the reason I’ve been spending less time in the sport is the annoying conversations with people who don’t have enough distractions (or “normal” /real life priorities) to take up mindshare from triathlon. The obsession with Kona and all the toys to get there, because it’s all about toys and not talent.
All of us are trying to fill the God shaped hole in each of us. Some will sit at the bar for hours, go shopping, others will go fishing or zone out all night in front of the Sony alter. This sport is better than most diversions for health reasons, stress outlet etc. Even though alot of it is “selfish time” I find I have alot more concern and compasion as the suffering really makes me appreciate the fact that I can turn it off at anytime and many among us can’t.
Perhaps many quit their passions once they sort out the ghosts, I think the majority give up and join ranks with the living dead, buried in their jobs, trading in living for motorized coffins. Most people I know barely have a pulse and accuse me of being bazare. Either end of this is not the best but I’d rather be at this end.
All of us are trying to fill the God shaped hole in each of us. Some will sit at the bar for hours, go shopping, others will go fishing or zone out all night in front of the Sony alter. This sport is better than most diversions for health reasons, stress outlet etc. Even though alot of it is “selfish time” I find I have alot more concern and compasion as the suffering really makes me appreciate the fact that I can turn it off at anytime and many among us can’t.
Perhaps many quit their passions once they sort out the ghosts, I think the majority give up and join ranks with the living dead, buried in their jobs, trading in living for motorized coffins. Most people I know barely have a pulse and accuse me of being bazare. Either end of this is not the best but I’d rather be at this end.
I see no end of narcissism in the religious. In fact, I see no end of narcissism in everyone; trying to claim that this group is better or worse than that group is pointless at best and offensive at worst.
Narcissism is not an epidemic among triathletes. However triathlon may be an epidemic among narcissists. So are many other exceptional achievements that are so easy to brag about.
It depends on which definition of narcissism you use. Most people would think of the following: “*excessive interest in or admiration of oneself and one’s physical appearance” or “**extreme selfishness, with a grandiose view of one’s own talents and a craving for admiration, as characterizing a personality type”. *
I don’t think too many triathletes fall into those categories above. We can certainly get self absorbed though, particularly focussing on upcoming big events. This one fits better: "self-centredness arising from failure to distinguish the self from external objects"
Yeah, we get self-engrossed for sure, but I don’t think vanity comes into it for most. Now, if you’re a man or woman choosing to do 50x Ironman and post topless ab/swimsuit selfies on IG, well, maybe you’re ticking-off a few more boxes.
I think in general the social media revolution has given a ton of people across all walks of life an inflated sense of self.
People always talking about themselves, their woes at work or troubles, their accomplishments. Instragram “look at me!!!”.
It’s not just among athletics, it’s everywhere.
What DOES bug me about it, is the effect the social media revolution has had on “popular by results in sport” versus “popular because I talk about myself a lot on the internet and self promote”.
There are a lot of people out there that nobody should even know about, but we do because they are like a gnat in our ears.
( P ) Pronunciation Key (när
s
-s
m) also nar·cism (-s