Competitive mindset doesn't always make for good art, but sometimes it's good to have that pressure on. I agree it feels kinda eh when you enter in competition with people who you feel are vastly better, but you know, when you get going at it, you just may find yourself developing by leaps and bounds due to the 'nngh! must! train! harder!' effect.
also edit: Ptoing, I love you. Marry me and let us have krautgreek hairy kids.