Happiness Is Found, When You Stop Comparing Yourself To Other People
The tenth commandment, Moses received on Mount Sinai, states: “Thou shalt not #covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.” (KJV – Exodus 20:17)
I believe, this also means, we shall not covet other people’s talents, jobs, body shapes, life circumstances, etc.
If you believe in the Holy Bible or not, I’m sure you agree, that coveting has a negative impact on your life.
#Comparing yourself with others can have two different effects: You may either get depressed, seeing how much others have and how little you’ve got, or you will become very prideful, putting others down, thinking you are the greates and most successful person, that ever walked on this planet. Both attitudes can lead you into an addiction and will have negative side effects.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying, you shouldn’t check your status every now and then to see, you are still on par and if there are opportunities to improve your life. But you need to do it with the right attitude.
You’ve been born with a very unique personality and with a certain skill set. No person is the same as you. Even twins aren’t exactly the same. A lot of people are looking up to certain idols, they’ve chosen. They are looking up to them because of the villa, they are living in, because of fame, riches, body shapes, clothing, talents, etc. Usually they overlook all the imperfections, such as attitudes, relationship problems, criminal behaviour (e.g. drug and alcohol abuse) and many other things. Look at some of the so called rich an beautiful people. Some of them are human wrecks, who would give a lot, if they could have, what you, the “normal” person have got.
Some people are getting so busy comparing with others, that they miss out on the beauties of life. They are missing out on a lot of #happy and joyful moments. They loose their self-esteem. Some even start developing bitter feelings towards their fellow men and themselves. What a sad outcome.
Instead, focus on your own strengths. Ponder, how you can use them for the benefit of others, so you can inspire and uplift them and make life more meaningful for them. Developing your strengths will also reduce your weaknesses.
Work on improving your talents and consider discovering new ones.
Don’t focus on your weaknesses, but be aware of them and find ways to improve them, so they may become strengths as well.
Why do people start comparing themselves with others?
I believe they do it, because they aren’t satisfied with their situation. The secret is greatfulness. If people are greatful for what they have, they have less reason to be unhappy and don’t start looking for a new ideal.
Here is a little activity for you: Grab a piece of paper and write down 10 things, you are greatful for. Repeat this daily for 30 days in a row and see, if it helps you to #compare less. Also write down your strengths. If you are very self-conscious with a low self-esteem, you may be convinced, that you are just an average person without any special abilities. But is this really true? I’m sure, you’ve got certain abilities, others envy you for. Take a step back and try to see yourself through someone else’s eyes. Now write down, what you are good at. If this still doesn’t work for you, go to someone, that knows you very well and likes you. Ask them, what strengths they see in you. Don’t argue with them, but take that information as it is. The list may include: Good listener, always cheerful, a good cook, a good house-keeper, good at using a computer, good decorator, good at convincing others, good carpenter, good writer, good artist, good musician … Your personal list may include many other items. The point is to make you aware of the fact, that you’ve got abilities, others lack. Everyone is perfect and you don’t need to feel bad about yourself.
Stop wasting time, comparing yourself with others. Life is too short for such a negative behaviour. It doesn’t help you and your fellow men. Rather enjoy, what you’ve got and improve on that.
