What is it : Comparison
Comparison is like being in a toxic vice which is turbocharged by social media and digital exposure. The pressures of conformity on one side and competition on the other – you are caught trying to simultaneously fit in and stand out. Confusing.
When we compare ourselves with others, we are mentally ranking ourselves against a specific collection of ‘alike things’. When we compare, we want to be the best or have the best in our class or group.
Forget ‘be yourself and respect others’. It’s ‘fit in, but win’.
Common Signs : Comparison
Here are some of the signs of comparison culture which is growing quickly around us:
- Constantly comparing to others’ appearance, achievements, or material possessions
- feeling inadequate or inferior
- Constant need for validation and approval
- Difficulty in feeling content or satisfied with one’s own accomplishments or possessions
- Feelings of jealousy or envy towards others
- Difficulty in feeling genuine happiness or joy for others’ successes
- Constant focus on what others have that you don’t
- Difficulty in building self-esteem and self-worth
- Difficulty in finding self-worth outside of external validation or comparison to others
- Difficulty in valuing oneself for one’s own qualities, regardless of how they compare to others
Tackling it : Comparison
A constant focus on what others have leaves us destined to focus outside of ourselves for what we think is the solution. That is actually the distraction. The development must come from within ourselves.
That’s where we can help. Here are some of the benefits you can achieve:
- Increased self-esteem and self-worth: value and appreciate who you are, rather than constantly comparing
- Greater sense of contentment and satisfaction: appreciate and accept what you have, rather than feeling inadequate or wanting more
- Increased motivation and focus on personal goals: set and work towards personal goals, rather than constantly focusing on others’ goals
- Improved mental and emotional well-being: reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as improved mood and overall well-being
- Increased sense of self-awareness and self-knowledge: focus on understanding and developing your own strengths, rather than constantly comparing yours to others
- Increased ability to appreciate and celebrate others’ successes: appreciate and celebrate others’ successes, rather than feeling jealous or envious
- Increased sense of self-acceptance and self-love: accept and love yourself for who you are