How to stop comparing yourself to others

By the time Theodore Roosevelt was saying that comparison is the thief of joy, his own life was a testimony. In our current tech age, it seems like the details of everyone’s life are within reach thanks to social media. While this can be a great way to keep in touch with friends and family who are miles away, overusing social media can lead to comparison, self-pity and a lack of self-worth. This can happen when you focus more on what others’ lives look like as compared to yours and forget that social media is a highlight reel for people’s high points. Very few people actually share the low points of the lives.

Below are practices that will help you stop comparing yourself to others.

1. Beware of what triggers comparison

Comparison leads to envy, anxiety and depression since it evokes a feeling of worthlessness. To prevent falling into the trap of comparison, identify those things in your life that trigger these feelings. If it’s on social media, unfollow these accounts. If they are friends, cut contact until you’re in a more positive space.

2. Focus on your strengths

Comparing yourself to others can make you feel like you have underachieved even when you have wins you should celebrate. When you choose to focus on your strengths, you become confident in your abilities. You will have no need to seek approval from others or compete with them. There is so much you can offer. When you focus on your strengths, you will be able to draw the strength you need to achieve your goals.

3. Be content with your imperfections

We all have imperfections. Once you make peace with yours, you will find it easier to relate with those who strengths you wish you had. It will also point you in the direction of areas you need to work on to improve. When you are aware of your imperfections, even others try to bring you down by drawing attention to them, their words won’t affect you.

4. Concentrate on your life’s path

Every one of us is on an independent journey. It might appear that your closest friends have so much in common that you seem to be on the same journey but as life goes on, this will inevitably change and you will be forced on different paths. Once you realize that we are different, with different dreams, potential and abilities, you will replace comparison with a renewed focus on following your path.

5. Remind yourself of the impact you are making

In your gratitude journal, note down every achievement big or small. Once in a while, particularly when things seem tough, go through this list and remind yourself of what you accomplished and those whose lives you touched. This will boost your sense of self-worth as well as give you a little nudge towards working to achieve your dreams.

6. Focus on your goals

Many of us have a list of resolutions at the beginning of every year. Even if you don’t share in this practice, you need to write down your targets and revisit them often. This practice in addition to number five above will help you put a stop to comparing yourself to others since you have a clear outline of your progress towards achieving your goals.

7. Practice gratitude daily

We can get blinded and fail to count our blessings as we covet our neighbours property. Keep a journal where you write what you are grateful for. You will be surprised to notice just how blessed you are.