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Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
We compare ourselves to others all the time. We compare ourselves to friends on social media, colleagues at the office, and even strangers at the gym. We rate our appearance, possessions, performance, and even our problems. In most cases, comparing yourself to others is extremely counterproductive. As Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.”
Here are six reasons why you should stop comparing yourself to others:
Perfection is an illusion. We’re often blind to the real challenges that people face. Although you might think someone doesn’t have a care in the world, they might be like a duck — calm on the surface but paddling like mad under the water.
Comparisons are hardly ever fair. It’s difficult to judge a running race if people begin at different starting lines. In fact, most of those boasting of hitting a home run were actually born on third base.
Comparison can turn into judgment. It is very easy for a well-intentioned comparison to turn into harsh judgment.
Beauty is subjective. Some things can’t be quantified; beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Some things can’t be changed. You might want to be younger — good luck with that.
Comparison can turn friends into adversaries. Some things start out as a friendly competition, but end up with hurt feelings.
Keeping up with the Joneses is like chasing a rainbow. While it might look beautiful from a distance, it will always be beyond your grasp. If you appreciate what you have, you’ll never want for more.
Is your satisfaction based on what you have or on what you don’t have?
You were born with a unique set of fingerprints. In order to realize your true potential, it’s important to be bold, live your own life, and accept responsibility for the choices that you make. According to Zen Shin, “A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms.” Stop comparing yourself to others.
Do You Compare Yourself to Others?
Please leave a comment and tell us what you think or share it with someone who can benefit from the information.
Additional Reading:
Good Relationships Don’t Keep Score
Do You Take It for Granted?
Are You Grateful?
When You’re a Perfectionist, Your Work Is Never Done
Do You Let Envy Get the Better of You?
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One of the biggest problems or reasons why we suffer from anxiety might be because of constantly comparing ourselves to others. Always trying to look at the lives of others and think that we are not enough, we are not doing enough. This thing of comparing ourselves with others can be very toxic to our mental health. It is essential to love and accept ourselves for how we are. And it is important to know that everyone’s life is different, and we can’t try to live the lives of others by trying to be like them.
You bring up such an important point, Heera. The habit of comparing ourselves to others can indeed lead to unnecessary anxiety and feelings of inadequacy. It’s easy to overlook how unique and valuable our individual journeys are when we’re fixated on someone else’s. As you said, self-love and acceptance are crucial, and embracing our differences can be so liberating. It’s not about living up to someone else’s standards—it’s about defining our own and appreciating the path we’re on. Thank you for your thoughtful perspective!
Thanks for talking the time to write.
Best,
Frank