Stop Measuring Yourself Against Others — Be Your Own Yardstick

The greatest thief of joy is pretending to be someone else

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You may think the low self-esteem habit of trying to be something else only belongs to others. However, the struggle to be what you are not is the quiet, often unrecognized thief of joy. It stems from comparing yourself to those you imagine are doing better in life. Or, it arises from the desire to be better. Either way, it hurts you.

The philosopher and spiritual teacher Alan Watts offered wisdom on the subject:

“So long as you can be persuaded that there is something more that you ought to be than you are, you have divided yourself from reality.” — Alan Watts

You meet the idea that you should change whether you watch television, view advertising billboards, or read magazines. Everyone seems to want you to quit being you and improve. This suggestion damages your self-esteem and dents your joy.

Social media reinforces the message that you aren’t good enough in your current form. Articles and posts amplify the notion that you could look better, improve your performance, and be more successful if only you would stop being you.

Here’s why the idea that you need to be something else persists