Jealousy is a powerful feeling that many people experience. So powerful, in fact, that this state of mind can often provoke one to think and act in a way that could be deeply out of character. Although jealousy is a natural feeling and in certain situations one cannot help but experience it, the problem comes about when one allows this emotion to take over.

It is perfectly normal to notice another’s success, possessions, achievements, etc. and wish you could have the same for yourself. However, the minute this type of thought begins to appear in your head is when you get to make the decision to allow this jealousy to continue in a negative way or turn it around into thinking positively. Because ultimately, it is a decision.

One option you have is the most common choice people make. You can allow this jealousy to develop into sadness over the thought that you don’t have what someone else has. You can acquire anger towards yourself or the person who is unintentionally sparking your jealousy. You can say immature things that you don’t necessarily mean in hopes to make yourself feel better. You can attempt to do things to prohibit another person from finding this same achievement again in the future. You can somehow find true hatred towards another person just because they seem to be doing better than you.

Or you can choose to turn this jealousy around the instant you begin to feel it. You can use another's success, possessions, achievements, etc. as motivation to create your own. You can enable yourself to be happy for others and create positivity. You can try to reach out to the person whom you are admiring and ask for advice about how they reached the goal you are striving to attain. You can force yourself to not allow another person’s prosperity to affect you in a negative way.

Jealousy is an ugly trait. It is a shame to see beautiful characters become camouflaged by this feeling that takes over. People can sense your jealousy, trust me, and it is not a good thing to be known for. Turning this jealousy around into positivity may not be the easiest thing to do, but it is important to practice as it makes for a happier mindset. There is no need to waste energy on being upset over someone else’s good fortune. However, if you are feeling upset, remember to turn this into motivation. This is a mentality that may not come natural to all, but when you make an effort to do this, it will eventually become a natural habit. Try it out and you will notice yourself becoming happier—I guarantee it.