200. Comparing Yourself To Others

​This episode is for you if you ever find yourself comparing yourself to others and if you do, don’t worry you are not alone. 

We as human beings naturally seek confirmation and affirmation from others. You may compare yourself to people you admire or consider successful to affirm your own self-esteem or achievements. 

Keep in mind there is a huge difference between healthy and unhealthy comparison.

Healthy comparison and healthy competition can be a driving force for personal improvement. Comparing ourselves to others can motivate us to work harder, set goals, and strive for success. When you compare, a good thought to have is : “If they can do it, we can do it too! 

But unhealthy comparison needs to be stopped. Feelings of inadequacy or insecurity can cause you to compare yourself to others to reassure yourselves or overcome doubts. Peer pressure might influence you to conform to the behavior, interests, and lifestyles of your peers. 

People often turn to others for advice when making decisions. Comparing their choices and outcomes can help you make informed decisions, or it can stop you from taking action due to perceived problems and imposter syndrome. So know that there are always two sides to the story and you get to choose which side you stand. 

It is important to know that social comparison can have both positive and negative consequences. While this can motivate you to improve and achieve your goals, it can also lead to negative emotions such as envy, jealousy, and low self-esteem when comparisons results are unfavorable. To use social comparison constructively, it’s essential to focus on self-awareness, set realistic goals, and remember that each person’s journey is unique. Instead of constantly comparing yourself to others, you can strive to be the best version of yourself, recognize your strengths and weaknesses while appreciating diversity in experiences and human achievements.

I used to say STOP comparing yourself to others. But now I say comparing yourself to others CAN be a catalyst for personal growth and development. This can inspire you to learn new skills, adopt healthier habits, pursue new interests, and believe more opportunities are coming.