The Poison Of Comparison
Start writing a post
Sports

The Poison Of Comparison

3 tips on how to keep yourself focused on YOUR journey.

joannafinny
Sep 16, 2018
Middle Tennessee State University
7
The Poison Of Comparison
YouTube

"Don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle." - Jon Acuff

Let me explain. We, as the human race, spend a LOT of our time comparing ourselves to others whether we like it or not. We compare affluence, body size, skill sets, IQ's — but why? What do we gain from it? Since when are we living by everyone else's standards? Acuff's quote is a crucial observation because what we don't realize, most of the time is that we only know a part of their story. For example, sure, they have money, but at what cost. See what I'm saying? We can't leave that up to assumption. We can't measure our lives based on ANYONE because their journey doesn't match up with your's at all. We are all on such a unique path that has been so intentionally been made for us. Meanwhile, when we get caught in the loop of comparison, we miss out on opportunities, experiences, and key details of our lives.

That being said, here are a few tips to keep you focused and content with your journey.

1. Generously compliment others.

Pride is a real thing and getting caught in comparison means that you suddenly become very sensitive about what YOU have and what YOU do. We suddenly find the need to prove ourselves and what we're capable of doing because we feel threatened by how someone else's life looks. So this is probably the best advice I can give you. Don't shy away from giving someone a compliment. Be okay with giving someone praise for something they did well. When you're mind is busy being happy FOR that person's accomplishment, you don't have room for pride or jealousy.

2. You do you.

As cliche as this sounds, life is too short to live by other people's standards. You could try your entire life to make people happy, but guess what, it's not worth it. This is your life. There is purpose and value in you. Pursue that instead of wasting time living up to their expectations. You will be the best version of yourself when you value the path you're own. Stride gracefully and with a heart to grow.

3. We're all walking at a different pace.

Referencing back to the quote at the beginning, remember that where you are on your journey may not be where you friend, or sibling, or co-worker is. Every success and opportunity is to each his own. Celebrate with them, but don't think that you're expected to walk alongside them. You'll get there or you might have already been there. Realize, accept, encourage, and keep on walking.

You are so uniquely you. Don't ever let society's standards or the progress of people around you intimidate you. Don't belittle the strides you make on your journey based off of an assumption about someone else's journey. Invest in your dreams and talents and never stop to look around. Just keep walking.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

Siena College
14197
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
small towns
Relationships

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you.

University of New Haven
291568
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College
89113
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
waitlisted
Swoon

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

National Writers Society
151612
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
single life
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

Marist College
59238
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments