No matter how confident you are, you’ve probably compared yourself/your life to someone else and theirs at some point.
It’s only natural, especially thanks to social media, where everyone claims to have the most perfect, glamorous life. It’s not true, however, and trying to measure your life against anyone else’s is a pointless endeavour. Here’s why you should never, ever do it — and if you ever catch yourself, stop!
1. It’s a comparison of your behind-the-scenes to their highlight reel.
Source: Unsplash Think about it: People usually only share the best parts of their lives online. That photo of their perfect holiday? They probably didn’t post the snaps of the sunburn or the lost luggage. So, when you compare your everyday life to their carefully curated highlights, it’s not a fair comparison at all.
2. Everyone’s journey is unique.
Source: Unsplash It sounds cliche, but it’s true. We all have different starting points, different paths, and different goals. What works for one person might not work for another. Comparing yourself to someone else’s journey is like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole – it just doesn’t make sense.
3. It can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
Source: Unsplash Constantly comparing yourself to anyone else can chip away at your self-esteem. You might start to feel like you’re not good enough, not successful enough, or not happy enough. This can lead to a downward spiral of negativity and self-doubt, which can hold you back from achieving your own goals.
4. It can distract you from your own goals and aspirations.
Source: Unsplash When you’re focused on what other people are doing, it’s easy to lose sight of your own path. Instead of working towards your own dreams, you might find yourself wasting time and energy trying to keep up with the Joneses. Remember, your journey is unique, and it’s important to focus on what truly matters to you.
5. It can create unnecessary stress and anxiety.
Source: Unsplash Constantly comparing yourself to other people can be a major source of stress and anxiety. You might feel pressured to achieve the same level of success, happiness, or material wealth as everyone else. This can lead to feelings of overwhelm, burnout, and even depression. It’s important to remember that your worth is not defined by your accomplishments or possessions.
6. It can lead to jealousy and resentment.
Source: Unsplash When you focus on what other people have that you don’t, it’s easy to fall into the trap of jealousy and resentment. These negative emotions can poison your relationships and prevent you from appreciating the good things in your own life. Instead of comparing yourself to anyone else, try to be grateful for what you have.
7. It can prevent you from celebrating your own successes.
Source: Unsplash When you’re constantly comparing yourself to other people, it can be difficult to appreciate your own achievements. You might downplay your successes or dismiss them as insignificant compared to what other people have accomplished. However, it’s important to celebrate your own wins, no matter how small they may seem.
8. It can rob you of your joy and contentment.
Source: Unsplash Comparing yourself can steal the joy from your own life. Instead of appreciating the present moment and all that you have, you might be constantly striving for something more, something better. This relentless pursuit of external validation can leave you feeling empty and unfulfilled.
9. It’s based on incomplete information.
Source: Unsplash When you compare yourself to other people, you’re only seeing a snapshot of their lives. You don’t know the full story, the struggles they’ve faced, or the sacrifices they’ve made. Comparing yourself to an incomplete picture is like judging a book by its cover – it’s simply not accurate or fair.
10. It can lead to unrealistic expectations.
Source: Unsplash Comparing yourself can set unrealistic expectations for your own life. You might start to believe that you should be achieving the same level of success or happiness as the people you compare yourself to. However, everyone’s journey is different, and it’s important to set realistic goals that are aligned with your own values and aspirations.
11. It can prevent you from focusing on your own strengths and talents.
Source: Unsplash When you’re constantly comparing yourself, it’s easy to focus on your perceived shortcomings and overlook your strengths and talents. Instead of dwelling on what you lack, try to identify your unique gifts and abilities and find ways to cultivate and share them with the world.
12. It can lead to a lack of self-acceptance.
Source: Unsplash Measuring yourself against other people can make it hard to accept yourself for who you are. You might start to believe that you’re not good enough unless you measure up to some arbitrary standard set by other people. However, true happiness and fulfilment come from accepting yourself unconditionally, flaws and all.
13. It can hinder your personal growth and development.
Source: Unsplash When you’re focused on comparing yourself to other people, you’re not focusing on your own personal growth and development. Instead of learning new skills, pursuing your passions, or challenging yourself to grow, you might be stuck in a cycle of comparison and self-doubt. It’s important to focus on your own journey and strive to become the best version of yourself.
14. It can damage your relationships.
Source: Unsplash Comparisons pretty much always lead to resentment, jealousy, and even envy. These negative emotions can poison your relationships and create distance between you and the people you care about. Instead of comparing yourself, try to focus on building meaningful connections and celebrating the successes of those around you.
15. It’s a waste of your precious time and energy.
Source: Unsplash Life is too short to waste time comparing yourself to other people. Instead of focusing on what you lack, try to appreciate what you have and make the most of your unique talents and opportunities. Focus on your own journey, your own goals, and your own happiness. Remember, the only person you should be comparing yourself to is the person you were yesterday.
