How are you feeling today? Are you feeling fine? Or are you having a bad hair day? Have you noticed how easy it is to compare ourselves with our surroundings? But, we are using a very special filter whenever we compare ourselves with the people around us. What do I mean?
Let us say that you see Frank, a math genius with strange glasses and a big stomach. When you compare yourself to him, you will most likely see a person much brighter than you (and it will make you feel bad), or you will see an ugly person with bad taste (and it will make you feel good because you feel better).
Then you see George, a handsome guy who has a fantastic beach body... but his brain doesn't seem to be the best out there. You might see him and see his body and feel bad (because your body doesn't look as nice), or you might just see a stupid guy (and feel good because you are smarter).
But, there is something interesting about comparing yourself with others. It is easy to feel smarter than someone who is really stupid, and in the end, you don't feel much better about it, simply because you know that it isn't a good comparison.
But, if you start comparing yourself to those with similar skills as yourself, you might end up winning (in your owns eyes), or you might end up losing (in your own eyes). The outcome is very much depending on how you look upon yourself.
We are wasting our time...
But, did you know that we have just been wasting our time for a couple of minutes speaking about comparing ourselves with others. What do I mean?
Using your energy at comparing yourself with others is just wasting your time! You will not get any better by thinking in your head that you are better or worse than other people. Well, you might get worse, or at least feel worse, but you will not get smarter... no matter what!
So, stop looking at your surroundings and start looking at yourself and the skills you have received. God has given you all the skills and talents that you need, any looking to others is just wasting your time! It will do no you no good.
Look at what you have, take it to Jesus, and let him multiply it! This is the ultimate thing to do with your life and with your skills. I will bring happiness and joy, instead of dissatisfaction, jealousy, bitterness, and all those other ugly characteristics.
The best thing is just live a good and free life and eradicate the habit of comparison because all fingers are not equal which we are different in so many ways in the aspect of living
I think is some situations a little bit of comparison to others is a good thing and can inspire some folks out there... like in sports. I use tennis as an example: you'll only ever get better if you play against people that you know are better than you or at least that was the case for me 30 years ago anyway.
I get your overall point though and when you not being able to keep up with the Joneses leads to depression and self-doubt, you've gone too far with this idea. Social media kind of makes this worse IMO as well.
You for sure got a point, comparing yourself with people you look up to and that will help you improve is for sure essential if you want to develop your skills! That is why it is important to have such idols that you look up to and that you learn from, who will actually make you move in the same direction.
I guess my main thought with this article was more the fact that so many just compare themselves with others, without it bearing any fruit or blessing in their lives... it only makes them feel worse, because they see their own lacks, instead of being inspired to improve!
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