STOP Inflicting Pain on Yourself

Have false comparisons and the accompanying judgments brought you down? The operative word here is ‘false’. Comparison is valuable when deciding between ‘similar’ products and we do that often before we order online. Humans, on the other hand, are unique, complex, and multi-dimensional.

When we compare ourselves to others, the judgment we make and the conclusions we arrive at are often counterproductive. Often, the data gathered is faulty and the filters we use are skewed toward one outcome, which is to confirm our bias that the other person has it is better than us. At the same time, we ignore our gifts, strengths, virtues, and values.

Social media posts with exotic vacation pictures, glamor shots, and recognitions are highlight reels of others. Sadly, we compare that to our everyday. It is easy to fall prey to comparisons and doubt our own competencies and self-worth.

As Theodore Roosevelt’s famous quote noted, ‘Comparison is the thief of joy”.

Besides stealing your joy, the comparison will crush your self-esteem and build layers of insecurities in your personality. Excavating through the hard sediments of self-doubt and insecurities can set you back years from reaching your own unique destination.

Don’t let distractions like others’ journeys and milestones keep you from your own. If your work colleague gets recognized, wish them well, and move on. Don’t ruminate and dwell on it. It is not about proving yourself but improving yourself every day.
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There is one thing that you’re better at than any other and that is being you. As Oscar Wilde famously said, “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.