There’s no comparison between the sun and the moon. They both shine when it’s their time. — Unknown
In this high-tech age, we can see, and hear almost everything. We have constant access to other people’s lives through the Internet and social media.
If there is one of the most dangerous thieves of happiness, it is the comparison. It can rob us of joy, time, and energy if we are not aware of it.
When we see someone buy a new house, got married, or went on vacation, there may be a voice that says, why do they have that? why not me? This can hurt our feelings and harm ourselves if we continue this comparison in the long run.
Why did we compare ourselves with others? because they have more than we do? Instead of comparing ourselves to the lives of others. Try to appreciate what we have and learn why others can have something we do not.
What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you. — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Here are 7 ways how to stop comparing yourself to others:
1. Practice gratitude
If there is one habit that can help you appreciate life more, it is gratitude. Since the 2020 pandemic, I have tried to keep a gratitude journal every night. Before I go to bed, I write down a few things I received and activities I did that day. It helps me turn my focus from the outside in.
These simple habits can also make you more self-aware and recognize your progress in life. They can shift your focus and help attract plenty into your life.
2. Recognize your strengths and focus on them
Do you know your strengths? What are your strengths? Have you tried to optimize them? All people have their weaknesses and strengths. Most of us will try to compare our weaknesses to other people’s strengths.
But other people may have a weakness that is part of our strength. There are no perfect people in the world. Why not focus on your strengths and try to build on them to improve yourself?
3. Make a list of what you have and what you have achieved
At different stages of life, people’s values and priorities can change. For example, when graduating from college you place more value on money than on family and health. But after many years, your priorities change. Now you place more value on health and family than on career and business.
What we have achieved in the past may not be so important today. The things we want to achieve now may be something we thought unimportant in the past. But what we have and achieve in life may be what other people want.
Make a list of what you have and your accomplishments so you know how far you have come in life.
Don’t compare your life to others. There’s no comparison between the sun and the moon. They both shine when it’s their time. — Unknown
4. Get to know the person you are trying to compare yourself to
Do you know what challenges someone faces? How many obstacles they have to overcome? or what kind of life they had before they got what they have now?
What you are trying to compare is the results they get. But how much effort and sacrifice do they make to achieve what they want? Why do not you try to get to know them? Try to learn the lesson and the process yourself with the result they achieve.
5. Limit yourself on social media
People share only the best of their lives on social media. This is not real life. Someone can share that they are having a nice vacation. When in reality they are grieving, had a relationship breakup, or lost someone they love.
Some people can share their grief, but others will never share anything about it on social media. Except with those closest to them, like best friends, family, or loved ones. Try to limit your time on social media and schedule it to take care of your mental health and avoid comparisons.
6. Remember that all people have their insecurities
People are insecure no matter how great and perfect they look on the outside. You may compare yourself to someone prettier, more popular, and richer. Others may win many championships, have a great social circle, go on many vacations, etc.
Everything they have might make you feel insecure if you have less than them. But some of them also worry about the people who approach them. Are these people their true friends and sincere? or are they only close to them because of their status and what they have?
7. Compare yourself with your former self, not with other people’s lives.
How far have you come in life? What kind of person are you 5 or 10 years ago? How much have you grown? why not try to compare yourself to your previous self?
In the past, you might shy person who lacked confidence and had no direction. But now you are someone who believes in yourself, has self-confidence, and has a great purpose in life.
The only comparison you should ever make is with your former selves. Learn and try to see how far you go and how much you use your ability to meet life’s challenges.
“Personality begins where comparison leaves off. Be unique. Be memorable. Be confident. Be proud.” ― Shannon L. Alder
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The 5 Ways To Create Healthy Boundaries
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The Biggest Obstacle is Someone You See in the Mirror Every Day
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