5 Reasons To Avoid Comparing Yourself To Others

Did you know, that constantly comparing yourself to others usually causes you to miss the quality of life you must live?

Comparison is the thief of joy, is a saying by Theodore Roosevelt. Constant comparison to others leads to inadequacy, low self-esteem, negativity, stress, and despair, stealing the joy and peace of everyday life.

There are many reasons to stop comparing your life to that of others. Here are the five important reasons to avoid comparison and make the best of what life has offered you.

1. Negativity

Although a healthy comparison where you look at others for inspiration and self-improvement could be helpful, constant comparison of yourself with others could lead you to walk on a path to self-destruction.

When scrolling through social media posts of people, do you appreciate what they have achieved or resent that you’ve not experienced the same in life? Resentment makes life bitter by attracting negative emotions such as envy, dissent, disappointment, embarrassment, and hatred.

Comparing yourself using outer measures of success like beauty, social status, money, followers, weight, and many others, are the main reasons that make you feel less than others and seek validation from people.

Dwelling on your negative feelings arising from comparing yourself, can cause unhappiness and affect your close family like your spouse and kids. Your expectations from them could become unrealistic which could harm the well-being of your family and cause stress to all at home.

Staying away from the negative approach towards life with unhealthy competition and making positive changes in life is a great way to feel happy and content in your own skin.

2. There’s room for everyone to be happy

Instead of comparing yourself to someone else and feeling envious or upset, make the success stories of others your inspiration and have faith in the almighty.

Having your own voice, ideas, dreams, and passion is essential to make a difference and shine. Imitating those who are doing well in any area such as business, talent, or job is not required and won’t bring out the best in you. Being authentic and putting all your efforts into getting better at what you do helps you keep moving ahead, without losing your identity.

The success of people can’t be the reason for your downfall. There is enough room in the world for all to succeed and shine without getting jealous or insecure.

Trying to be like others by comparing yourself won’t help you make an impact. Rather, being you by using your strengths and working on your weaknesses helps you make an impact and influence others positively.

3. The concept of differences

There will always be someone who does something better than you. It’s not because you aren’t capable, but because everyone is unique and different. There are no perfect people. One can’t be a master at every skill in the world. Accepting your uniqueness and appreciating that of others is the key to building healthy relationships.

Comparing yourself to others each time you see positivity in their life will not take the darkness away from within you. Accepting the fact that our lives and paths are different, and all have their own struggles and challenges is the first step toward living in the light and recognizing the goodness around you.

Life isn’t a competition. As long as you know what you are made of and where you are heading, you will be able to support others and respect the uniqueness of people as you walk your path, without comparing your journey with theirs.

4. The highlights

Haven’t you compared your life to someone’s reel on social media? Have you realized how quick you’ve been to make the calculations and judgments, by only seeing a highlight from someone’s life and not the reality of their daily life?

You see only what people show you on social media. Do you post your struggles or uncomfortable moments on social media? Why would anyone do so? Although you know the reality of social media, you cling to the posts and indulge in comparing yourself to the highlighted moments of people’s lives. Do you agree?

This doesn’t make you productive but takes your focus away from your priorities and goals. It could divert your attention and get you involved in competing with people unnecessarily, although your goals aren’t the same as theirs.

Be wise in choosing what to feed your mind and what to avoid. Do not dwell on the highlights of people’s lives. Rather appreciate the positivity you come across and ignore what doesn’t need your attention.

5. Losing your track

Have you purchased stuff out of an impulse after watching an Instagram reel or a Facebook post? Do you desire to visit places that were not actually on your mind, after scrolling social media posts?

Your goals and priorities should be your areas of focus to be successful in life and not the temptations of the world. Giving in to temptations is easy if you’re comparing yourself with others. For those focused on their journey and are aware of what they need in life and where they wish to reach, comparison plays no significance in their choices.

Do not let the world deceive you with something captivating, but not useful on your journey to success. It could rob you of your financial stability, inner peace, and joy. Stay focused and avoid losing your track on the path set for you by God.

How to stop comparing yourself with people?

Aren’t the reasons to avoid comparing yourself to others convincing enough to stop the comparison and embrace your journey with positivity?

If you agree, here are some tips to help you avoid falling into the trap of comparing yourself and go ahead on your path with confidence and faith.

1. Compete with yourself, not others by focusing on your goals and not those of people on social media. Try getting better with every new day and keep a journal to track your growth and improvement.
2. Limit the time you spend on social media. It is not necessary to follow everyone on Instagram or Facebook. Don’t follow accounts that aren’t good for your mental health. Make time to unplug, focus on the present, connect with your family, and do what gives you peace.
3. Have healthy boundaries in place. You are not obliged to please people who drain your energy. Be wise when choosing your circle and avoid unhealthy connections.
4. God made you with a purpose for your life. Recognize the presence of the almighty in your life and refrain from trying to meet the standards of the online world by comparing yourself. Rather, spread joy, positivity, kindness, and compassion. Give no space for negativity and let your light shine brighter with each new day.
5. Recall the blessings in your life and the people through whom you’ve received love and care. Practice gratitude daily and feel the difference it makes in your daily life.

How do you take care of your emotional well-being and avoid comparing yourself to others? Do share in the comments.