When is competition valuable?
C.G.
Competition is sometimes useful as a bonding or social inspiration. But as fire is useful, there is a careful balance to be maintained or the useful can become the destroyer.
Personally, I am more inclined to Wu wei as a guide to achievement, rather than competitiveness. An excellent explanation of Wu wei comes from Alan Watts:
...Wu-wei, meaning not to force, refers to what we understand of one's acting accordingly to the nature, of one's moving in order to avoid a stroke, of one's swimming downstream, sailing before the wind, rolling like the waves or one's bending in order to win. (From Alan Watts - "Tao: the Watercourse Way").
Also, this variation on a verse from the Tao Te Ching is a wonderful reminder of a natural way of coming to one's destination/goal.
Lao Tzu - chapter 48
In the pursuit of achievement, every day something is acquired.
In the pursuit of Tao, every day pursuit is dropped.
Less and less is done.
Until non-action is achieved.
When nothing is done, nothing is left undone.
The world is ruled by letting things take their course.
It cannot be ruled by interfering.
(translation by Gia-fu Feng and Jane English)
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competition
August 2008 
I like what you say about a careful balance to be maintained. And the definition of wu-wei really resonates, acting according to nature. Lately I've been much more mindful of expanding awareness to include that we-wei of the flow of life, as well as the flow of our thoughts, feelings, sensations and so on. Thanks so much for this.
Thank you, Kathy.
blessings to you and all you hold dear,
CG