Do you compare yourself to others? I think we all do. We look at how other people live their lives, how much money they have, how great their business is going, how big their house is and on and on. We play the comparison game daily.
How does it make you feel when you compare yourself to someone else? You probably think you’re less than. But we continue to compare ourselves even if we hate the way it makes us feel.
You’ll always lose at the comparison game
The best thing you can do is stop the comparison game. You can still work at improving yourself wherever you can, but don’t give into the temptation of trying to have more than others. Because you will always lose. Someone will always have more than you.
Here are some ways to stop playing the comparison game.
Take a break from social media
Comments on social media can make you think other people’s lives are perfect. Then you begin to hate your life.
Keep in mind that what they say on Facebook or Instagram is only a perception of their reality. For example, if all you see is all the achievements their kids have made, and that their husband cooks supper every night, your friend may be living a completely different life on the other side of that screen.
It’s time to stop focusing on the number of ‘likes’ you get. Get back to engaging with your family and friends in real life. Those ‘likes’ are not important. Real-life and building strong and loving relationships with people that matter is what counts.
Change your mindset
Social media isn’t the only reason why we make comparisons. But it’s a low-quality place that causes you to judge other people because of jealousy. You’ve perceived them to be better than you.
Your identity is not found online.
Take a break from social media. Spend time reading good books, exercising more, talking to your good friends, or learn a new skill. Get back to who you really are and use the gifts and talents you have to help other people.
Use your time wisely.
Strive to support others
Instead of getting jealous about someone’s accomplishments, be happy for them. Don’t let jealousy and comparison take root. You’ll feel a thousand times better than if you played the comparison game.
Let their wins be an encouragement or inspiration to you. Be supportive of them. Remember that success for them is different than it is for you.
Focus on your journey
You are unique. You have special gifts and talents that nobody else has. You have your own journey and accomplishments to strive for.
Your path may be homeschooling your children, or starting an online business, or becoming a missionary. Everyone has a different set of talents.
You don’t have to copy someone else’s path. Comparing your life with theirs is a waste of time and a waste of your gifts.
Live your life free of the comparison game. You’ll be happier and more successful. Focus on helping others with your gifts and talents. Spend time developing your skills and pursuing your dreams and goals. Comparing yourself to others is a trap. It depletes you of your joy and you lose sight of the accomplishments you’ve already made. Let others inspire you!