In a world where we are constantly being told to be rich, pretty, successful and smart, it’s sometimes hard not to compare yourself to others. Envious feelings and feelings of “not being good enough” have a way of creeping up on us. That doesn’t mean we can’t squash it before it goes to war on our self-esteem.
Seven reminders about comparing yourself to others……
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BE AWARE & ALWAYS ADDRESS
The first step is to become aware of what you are thinking. Catch yourself in the act of comparing yourself to others. Take a moment to consciously stop yourself, and ask yourself why you feel that way. Those thoughts and feelings say a lot more about your insecurities. Those feelings say something about what’s inside of you. Pinpoint what it is that is making you feel inferior. Try to figure out why it is there.
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BE GRATEFUL
Instead of focusing on all the things you don’t have that others do, focus on what you do have and how grateful you are for those things.
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CONCENTRATE ON YOUR STRENGTHS
You have a lot going for you. Read that again. You have a lot going for you. Each of us have unique skill sets, personalities and perspectives on life that give us individual assets that no one can take from us, and more importantly, that no one else has. Stop discrediting your talents, your skills, and the time & effort you put into your life’s passions! That’s all you, and no one can take that from you. Right now, take a second to concentrate on your strengths, and be proud of yourself. Next time you’re feeling inferior, remember to take a second to concentrate on your strengths.
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FOCUS ON YOUR LIFE PATH
No one has the same journey in life. Your road is yours alone, and even if it doesn’t seem like it sometimes, it holds just as many opportunities and adventures as anyone else’s path. Every day is yours to find something to create, something to learn, and something to find happiness in. Comparing yourself to someone else takes you away from seeing any of that because you’re too busy concentrating on someone else’s road. Stop trying to jump the hedges and stick to your path because it leads to your destination. It may have different bumps and it may take the long way, but you’re going to get to where you’re going as long as you keep walking.
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BE OK WITH IMPERFECTION
No one is perfect! Not me, not you, not any of your friends. If you don’t learn to be content with your imperfections, you will drive yourself insane. When you focus on your imperfections, that is all you see. Next time you find yourself picking your “imperfections” apart, look at the whole picture. The less time you spend zeroing in on your “imperfections”, the less time it’s there. The only reason you can always see it, is because you’re always looking for it.
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LOVE WHAT YOU’VE GOT
There is this illusion that “more” equates to “happiness”. This couldn’t be further from the truth. If you don’t learn to appreciate and love what you have, it will never be enough and you will never be happy. Money, cars, fitness, whatever– you’ll always want more, and will always find ways to compare what others have to what you don’t. Look at all you have, and know you are blessed to have it. “More” doesn’t equate to “happiness”, happiness equates to more.
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DISTRACT YOURSELF
If all else fails, distract yourself. Get off the internet, leave the room, do whatever it takes to get yourself into a good headspace. Comparing yourself to others is just about one of the worst ways you could spend your time, so if you’re not in a place to overcome it mentally quite yet, go do something you enjoy, something that will bring you good feelings!
You CAN stop comparing yourself to others! You CAN do it. You know your strengths, you know your path, you have everything you need and YOU ARE amazing. Basically, you are wonderful!!!!! Don’t ever forget it!!!!
Most of your reality is not a given. It is shaped by your thoughts. Often, your thoughts are formed unconsciously and can be counter-productive or limiting but, you can consciously form positive thoughts that will make you feel much better about your life.
