Em's Musing #5: Don't Compare Yourself To Others

A tough thing to NOT DO but should be done regardless. Based on my observation, comparing yourself with other people has been a norm in our society. You can see this in full blast on social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. We tend to compare what we have versus what our peers have. Thus, this leads to the green eyed monster.

I admit, I am not a saint to have not experienced such strong emotions of jealousy and envious to my friends especially when I was younger. I can see myself with a close fist, hot face and sinister thoughts wishing my friends bad luck. Like for example, when a friend of mine has a new phone I wished for it to be lost, stolen or destroyed. I became angry that they have something new while I don’t have anything. It comes to a point where I feel like I am losing control over my negative emotions and succumbed to it. Comparing yourself to other people is like an inborn disease humans have.

So what can we do about this? How can we stop comparing ourselves from other people? Well, I came up with the following tips to help you out:

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1. Make yourself aware of your triggers

This way you will be able to stay away from situations where you will get jealous or envious of what your peers have. If the green-eyed monster suddenly lurks in the corner, just count 100 backward until you calm yourself out. Breathing exercises can also help you relieve your jealousy and can give a calming effect.

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2. Count your blessings

Want to relieve stress, frustrations, jealousy or any negative feelings? Simple, count your blessings in life. This tip will help you have a positive outlook in life and surpass all the ill feelings you are devouring. It creates an optimistic response from you and sees your situation in a better perspective. You’ll realize that the material things you’re envious of are just a petty thing for you.

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3. Compete with yourself

If you must really compete then it is better if it is with yourself. Challenge yourself to be better than you are yesterday. Analyze yourself, reflect on yourself and motivate yourself to improve each day even if it is just 1%. The point is, this is a healthy way to “compare yourself” because it shows a positive progress on your part. Rather than wasting your energy on getting envious, it is better to focus on yourself. Warnings though, don’t go overboard and be a narcissist.

The most important thing to remember is to improve your life and yourself. Make other people be an inspiration for you to get better and never think of them as a competition. If they are amazing people, look up to them to make your positive progress.

Note: First photo is owned by me.

Read my past Musings below:

Em's Musing #1: You Have Your Own Time, Life Is Not A Race

Em's Musing #2: Be in A Relationship or Stay Single

Em's Musing #3: Do Something That Your Future Self Will Thank You For

Em's Musing #4: What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger