COMPArison is the thief of joy

“We struggle with insecurity because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel.”

- Steve Furtick.

Have you ever looked at someone else and wished you were more like them?

It's so easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others, especially in today's social media-driven world where everyone seems to be living their best life. We log onto Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and only focus on their successes and achievements. We see the holidays they're taking, the promotions they're getting, and their relationships without seeing their struggles to get there.  

It's important to remember that what we see on social media is just a highlight reel, a small part of the picture. People are only showing us what they want us to see. We don't get to see the failures and the hard work that went into achieving their successes, and we certainly don't see the moments of self-doubt and insecurity that they may have experienced or may still be experiencing.

One of the main reasons why comparisons with others are not helpful is that everyone is different. We all have different experiences and backgrounds that influence how we think and behave, and we all have different strengths and weaknesses, and what works for one person may not work for another.

Another reason comparisons with others are not helpful is that we often make assumptions about others based on partial information; therefore, these assumptions can be inaccurate.    

One of the most important things to remember is that you are unique. No one else in the world is exactly like you, and that is something to be celebrated! Embracing your uniqueness is essential to being happy and content with your life.

Comparisons can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, harming mental health and well-being. So, the next time you compare yourself to someone else, remember that you don't know the whole story. Don’t compare your behind-the-scenes footage with someone else’s highlight reel.  Instead, focus on your journey and celebrate your successes. Stay positive and remember that you’re capable of achieving great things.

HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO TRY INSTEAD.

1.     PRACTISE GRATITUDE

One of the best ways to stop making comparisons with others is to be grateful for what you have. Whether it's a supportive family, a fulfilling job, or simply a warm bed to sleep in at night, there's always something to be grateful for. It can be easy to focus on what we don’t have and what others have that we want, but by shifting our mindset towards gratitude, we can gain a healthier perspective and find contentment in our own circumstances.

2.     FOCUS ON YOUR JOURNEY

Another way to stop comparing yourself with others is to focus on your journey. Everyone’s life is different, and we have unique paths to follow. By focusing on our journey, we can appreciate our accomplishments and progress without needing to compare ourselves to others. Remember that your journey is unique, and you have the power to shape it in your own way.

3.     FIND SOMETHING YOU LOVE DOING

One of the best ways to stop comparing yourself to others is to find something you love doing. Investing our time and energy into something we’re passionate about can help us feel good about ourselves and give us a sense of purpose. It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as it makes you happy and fulfilled.

4.     SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE

Another way to stop making comparisons is to surround yourself with positive people who build you up instead of pulling you down. When you surround yourself with negativity, it can be easy to start seeing yourself in a negative light. But when you surround yourself with positive people, they can help remind you of all the good in your life and help put things into perspective.

5.     PRACTISE MINDFULNESS

Practising mindfulness can also help you stop comparing yourself with others, allowing you to focus on the present moment instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Living in the present moment makes it easier to appreciate what you have instead of focusing on what you don’t have.