High school kinda sucks, but it is easy enough. College is nicer as you're focused purely on what you want to do, and it's more flexible and oriented around you.
As for competition. What competition? Don't make any for yourself. Walk in, do your exams, graduate, walk out. If you don't get into a university, take a gap year, or do re-sits, or apply somewhere else. Hell, consider not going at all. There really isn't one single path to follow and you can go at a pace which suits you.
Don't focus on what everyone else is doing, even if they're doing the same thing as you. Take a slightly more relaxed approach because it is so much easier and nicer in the long run. If something doesn't work out, just re-evaluate where you're at and figure out a different approach to the matter. Minimal stress required - But at the same time, don't become lax and careless because you'll just fail.