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“Comparison is the thief of joy,” said Buddha.
So why do we constantly compare ourselves to others? There is some comfort in being surrounded by people like us – same city, similar interests, even matching income levels. Then someone “does better”. They land a killer job, take that dream trip to Bali, buy a condo or get engaged… and things feel like they change.
Why does this matter?
The truth is, it doesn’t. Our peer group is the ultimate reflection of ourselves, and it is natural to feel we are not going fast enough, doing well enough, or are not talented enough when we see people surpass us in any area of life. Comparison for this reason is the ego at its most unhealthy and destructive. Comparing comes from the mentality of lack. It makes us forget that there is enough for everyone.
The good news is that we can overcome comparison and the illusion of competition it creates. Here are five ways to do that:
1. Use your energy focusing on what you have, not on what others have
Write a gratitude list and thank the universe for every line.
2. Remember, life is unpredictable
One day someone else is ahead, another day you will be ahead. Only compare yourself with yourself.
3. Congratulate others
Their success does not take away from yours. You can even learn from others' achievements. Success for others, when perceived correctly, shows us that getting what we want is possible for anyone. I had a friend whose body was transformed with a barre workout - her colleague joined the studio too and benefited from months of research! If she came from a place of comparison rather than a place of curiosity and openness, she would be closed off to this awesome benefit. (Post continues after gallery.)
