“Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Theodore Roosevelt
We do it at some point in our lives. We measure our life standards with others, from job prospects, income, success and relationships to our number of Instagram likes. The list of categories that we use to compare ourselves to others are endless. Comparison robs our joy and will never make us happy. All it does is belittle ourselves, making us feel inadequate and miserable.
(Image Source: Pexels)
I admit that I’m as guilty as everyone else. I often compare the things that I lack to what others have. I know it’s usually not a fair comparison, as I tend to compare my lowest points against the best standards of others. It’s a nasty trap that most of us fall into. Trust me, I’ve been there and it’s not something that I overcame overnight, but I’m now a happier person. Here are several tips you can do to stop comparing yourself to others.
Be grateful
Start focusing on the things that you have. Count your blessings and not the things that you lack. You will never have enough once you concentrate on the things that are absent from your life. What are the things you are grateful for? Think about them and list each one of them in a gratitude journal. Gratitude can exist for even the smallest things in your life. You could feel grateful to have clothes to wear, food to eat, a place to live in and the list goes on. Keeping a gratitude journal is helpful for reminding yourself of the wonderful things in your life. When you are feeling sad and can’t come up with anything positive to be grateful for, you can always flip through your gratitude journal for a reminder.
Spend less time on social media
Social media is a great platform to network with our peers and loved ones. It can be a source of inspiration but at the same time, it may create the feelings of hatred and inadequacy in us. Most people upload pictures of their best moments on social media, so you could be looking at the good times in someone’s life and comparing them to the bad moments in your life. You envy those who post pictures of their dream vacations, perfect relationships and fabulous outfits on Facebook. Instead of spending hours comparing yourself to others on social media, consider taking the time to do what you love. Take a break from social media and indulge in your hobbies, whether it’s painting or playing the guitar.
(Image Source: Pexels)
Be aware of your strengths
No matter who you are, you possess your own unique strengths. Everyone is special and unique. Each of us possesses our own positive attributes that, with proper nurturing and growth, may transform us into someone successful and resilient. Start to hone your unique skills such as public speaking or writing to further improve yourself. Have a perspective that not everybody has. Those who excel in their career might fail in other aspects of their lives. Remind yourself that there are things you are able to do that others aren’t. Focus on your strengths and not on your weaknesses.
No one is perfect
Everyone has his or her own flaws and imperfections. No one is perfect in this world. Accept your flaws and be happy with who you are. Instead of comparing yourself to others, strive towards better things in life such as patience, humility and perseverance. Focus on becoming a strong, healthy and resilient individual. Get rid of the idea that others are better than you are. Remember that they too have their own personal struggles and problems to cope with everyday.
(Image Source: Pexels)
Comparing ourselves to others will only leave us feeling sad and miserable. It is not going to help us achieve our lifelong goals. Instead, we waste our precious time comparing our lives against the lives of others. We might as well learn to love ourselves, our capabilities, and our flaws. After all, we have the freedom and power to build the best version of ourselves.
