Comparing yourself to others is a losing game. While you may feel better comparing yourself to those you feel “better than,” it’s a false sense of security. It’s just as easy to compare yourself to those who have had more practice, opportunity or skills than you, and fee despair. If Oprah had compared herself to others when she was just starting out, she might have decided she’d never succeed. Yet despite the fact she didn’t grow up wealthy, she ended up becoming one of the richest women in America. Now, that little girl who had to dress in potato sacks is known as The Queen of All Media! Take an example from Oprah, and shine your light on yourself despite what’s happening around you.
5 Reasons Not To Compare Yourself To Others
It’s often said that comparison is the thief of joy. You have your own set of goals, priorities, and values. What may be important to someone else might not align with your own aspirations. Comparing yourself to others can distract you from what truly matters to you. Focus on defining your own goals and measuring your progress based on your unique values and desires.
Comparing yourself to others can make you insecure
Financial insecurity is a real problem. When you’re insecure about your finances, you might be susceptible to irrational purchases. For example, you might buy a new car to show others that you have a higher status, when paying for that car is more than you can afford.
You won’t see the good in your own life
Comparing yourself with other people will also make you feel less satisfied with your life in general. Imagine being unhappy with your own life, which you’ve worked so hard to build, just because of someone else. When you’re focused on what others have, you may miss opportunities for growth and development that are meant for you.
You’re not developing yourself and your strengths
Everyone has something to offer to the world–you included! If you keep comparing your finances and career to someone else’s, you’re not developing your own skills. You’ll end up being a diluted version of someone else instead of the best version of yourself!
Comparing yourself to others can create animosity
This is especially dangerous in the workplace. Comparing yourself to your coworkers can create competition for promotions and other opportunities. While comparison could motivate you to improve your performance, you may end up hurting your working relationship with the people you spend hours with every day!
You might be comparing your real life to something fake
Remember that people only post things online that they want to share. If you compare your entire life, flaws and all, to someone’s social media profile, you’ll only end up feeling insecure! The truth is, appearances can be deceiving, and it’s more important to focus on your own growth rather than assuming someone else’s life is perfect.
10 Ways To Stop Comparing Yourself To Others
It’s not easy to stop comparing yourself to others. In fact, everybody does it subconsciously. But with the right mindset and habits, you can reduce the temptation to focus your efforts at competing with clothes, and pay more attention to your own goals and aspirations.
Reduce your screen time
Besides several health benefits, reducing your screen time will expose you less to other people’s online lives. Lowering your screen time by using your phone or computer less can help you combat financial insecurity. After all, you can’t compare yourself to others if you can’t see them.
Uninstall social media apps
Despite the numerous drawbacks, social media may be necessary to connect with others. However, you don’t always need to stay connected. Try uninstalling your social media apps from your phone and only using web versions of Facebook, Instagram, and other apps. That way, you can still use them to chat with loved ones while lowering your overall exposure.
If you want to see how much social media affects you, you may even consider a digital detox. This means removing social media from your life entirely!
Set a goal and work towards it
You might be comparing yourself to others because you think you don’t have anything to be proud of. But you can always set a new goal and work towards something. When you’re focused entirely on your goals, you’ll find yourself looking less at other people and more at your progress.
Practice gratefulness
You may take things in your life for granted when you compare yourself to others. Instead, you want to practice being grateful for everything in your life. When you’re happy with what you already have, you’ll have no reason to compare yourself to other people. Being more grateful can also help you improve your money mindset!
Everyone has their own problems
It’s easy to think people’s entire lives are perfect because that’s all their Instagram feed shows. But that’s not necessarily true. People’s social media profiles only show the parts of their lives they want to show. For example, your friend who posts about her fabulous life might actually be in debt to finance her lifestyle.
Take a vacation!
Sometimes, a getaway can clear your head from your anxieties and insecurities. After a trip, you can return home and be more grateful for what you already have.
Just make sure you’re planning your vacation properly and budgeting for it! Vacationing can be expensive unless you know the travel hacks.
Level up your career
When you’re focused on your goals and your own life, you’ll be in a better position to grow your career. By building your own skills, a promotion or other opportunity may be right around the corner. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be the one your peers will look up to instead!
Ask those you admire for advice
Instead of seeing other people as rivals, you can reframe them as your mentors. Try reaching out to people with amazing lives and ask them how they got to where they are. That way, rather than them making you insecure, they could be the ones that lift you up!
Celebrate other people’s victories
When people post about their victories, like a new job or car, try to fight the urge to compare yourself. Instead, celebrate their wins with them and the fact that they’re willing to share them with you. That way, when you have your own victories, they’ll be there to celebrate with you too!
Focus on your growth
If Oprah Winfrey focused on what she lacked when she was building her career, we might not know her today. Rather than being jealous of other people, she built her skills, career, and media empire. Like many other successful women, she focused on her own growth and found success because of it.
When you’re growing, it’s always nice to have some extra advice. That’s why you should join my money squad to have the tips sent straight to you! It only takes a few seconds, and the weekly life advice you receive will help you grow rich. Sign up today!
