Let’s get right to it. Comparison is stealing your joy. Especially in midlife, it’s easy to silently compete with others without realizing you’re doing it. It’s not just about who has the bigger house or the better career; it can be about anything – whose children are more accomplished, who looks the best for their age, who has the most exciting travel stories. But this silent competition is wreaking havoc on your attitude of gratitude and keeping you in an endless cycle of feeling like nothing is ever enough. If you’re serious about living your best life, you’ll have to stop comparing yourself to others, once and for all.
The Lies We Tell
Some of the biggest lies we tell are to ourselves. It’s not easy to admit the part you play in the comparison game. You may tell yourself that you’re just being ambitious and setting goals, but in reality, you’re also feeding a cycle of dissatisfaction. Why? Because no matter how much you achieve, there will always be someone who seems to have more.
The Trap
What did the rapper, Young Joc say? It goes down in the trap – in this case – the trap of competition. The tricky thing about silent competition is that it usually begins with the best intentions. You make some moves to improve your life and feel good about it. Cool. But then you see someone else achieve more and your good feelings are suddenly diminished. Not cool. And social media doesn’t help; it’s like a highlight reel of everyone’s best moments and can make you feel like you’re not doing enough.
But everyone’s journey is different. What you see online or in the lives of others is just a snapshot, not the full story. (Say it with me, “Stop 👏🏾 comparing 👏🏾 yourself 👏🏾 to 👏🏾 others!” 👏🏾)
Got To Be Real
(If you immediately heard Cheryl Lynn when you read that subheading, you’re my people). Keeping it real is easier said than done, but it’s essential to grounding yourself and focusing on what’s important. It’s about being grateful for who you are and where you are in your journey. Instead of looking at what others have, focus on what makes you unique. What are your strengths? What brings you joy? What are you passionate about? These are the things that should define your life, not the accomplishments or possessions of others.
We won’t be distracted by comparison if we are captivated with purpose. – Bob Goff
The Antidote
Gratitude is a powerful tool. When you focus on what you’re thankful for, it’s harder to get caught up in what you lack. Start each day by acknowledging something you’re grateful for. Write down your affirmations in a journal or say them out loud. The more you practice gratitude, the more content you’ll feel with your life as it is.
Best-Life Behavior
When you stop comparing yourself to others, you unlock a new level of happiness. Living your best life isn’t about having the most or being the best; it’s about being true to yourself and knowing that your worth isn’t tied to how you measure up against others. So, the next time you catch yourself silently competing and comparing, take a step back. Remember that the only person you need to be better than is the person you were yesterday. ❤️
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