Everyone is unique and everybody’s life is unique. You are not in competition with anyone.

It’s important to recognize that every individual has his/her own unique journey, circumstances, and talents. Comparison often involves making assumptions about others’ lives based on limited information or surface-level observations, which may not provide an accurate or complete picture. Each person has his/her own strengths, weaknesses, and paths to success, and trying to fit into someone else’s mould can hinder our own personal growth and fulfilment.

Observing others, or considering how everyone else is doing and comparing that to your own situation can have both positive and negative effects.  On the positive side, healthy competition can provide motivation, inspiration, and a sense of direction. It can push us to strive for personal growth and achieve our goals. Comparing ourselves to others can also serve as a reality check, helping us gain perspective on our strengths and weaknesses.

However, constantly living in comparison can also have negative effects on our well-being and self-esteem. It can lead to feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and a perpetual sense of dissatisfaction. When we constantly measure our worth based on how we stand compared to others, we may lose sight of our unique qualities and experiences, undermining our self-confidence and happiness. The case where we compare and think or feel that we are better than everyone else, can lead to vanity and empty pride, belittling others and becoming secluded from reality.

Instead of focusing solely on comparison, it can be more beneficial to shift our attention inward and reflect on our own progress, goals, and values. Embracing a growth mindset, where we strive for self-improvement and focus on our own development, can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Celebrating our own accomplishments, nurturing self-compassion, and finding joy in our own unique journey can help us break free from the cycle of comparison and live more authentically.

“Comparism is the thief of joy”

— President Theodore Roosevelt