Recently I read an article on the Runner’s World website that talked about how volatile it is to compare ourselves to others. The author saw a quote that read: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” While reading this article, I realized how much I compare myself to others and how it isn’t doing anything to boost my self confidence. Then I thought about it more and realized that for every time I think something positive about someone else and compare myself to them, there also could be something positive said about me, about how I can do something better than that person.
I think of my one friend who is super fashionable and who always seems to have perfect hair (which I constantly envy). Then I thought to myself, well those things are great, but can she run a half marathon like I did?
Another one of my friends is really outgoing and can make friends instantly. Then I thought, can she get through all the engineering courses I did?
Another friend is very thin and has been that way for years. To which I think, can she cook and bake like I can?
The point is, we all have good qualities, and not so great qualities. We shouldn’t focus on what other people are better than us at, but focus on what we are good at and what we want to do with our lives. Could I own really fashionable clothes? Yes, but I have an irrational fear of spending large amounts of money. Could I have perfect hair all the time? Yes, but frankly, I value sleep more than waking up early and getting myself ready. No one can be perfect all the time and accepting our shortcomings is a huge step forward in accepting ourselves.
youngandfreshlife 