Everywhere I turn, I hear and read about comparison being completely harmful to one’s mental state. They blame the media, including social media and the advertising industry for allegedly forcing people to believe they need to behave, look and live a certain way to be considered successful or worthy. It’s a concept I simply cannot stand by. Let me explain why.
While most of my mental qualities are unfortunately not up to par with my wishful standard of living, I do possess one quality that I am so grateful for. Competitiveness.
I am not referring to winning (which is always nice) or losing (which always sucks). I am referring to the desire and ambition to constantly be developing into the woman I know I can be if I just keep growing.
Whether you’re competing in a pageant like myself, you’re eager to get that promotion, or you’re figuring out a way to assemble an innovative gadget, in order to reach our full potential with our goals we must take advantage of the lessons learned from our “competition”.
Learning from our competitors mistakes and victories is one of the most valuable and efficient tools for growth. It’s a wonderful time saver because we’re able to see what works and what doesn’t.
Comparison does not equal replication. Society almost always confuses the two.
As the saying goes “Always be the first rate version of yourself and not a second rate version of somebody else.” But that does not mean learning where you stand in comparison to other people is unhealthy. I will never be foolish enough to believe there is no room for personal growth or that there is nothing I can learn from the people around me. Exposing your mind to other people’s tactics and strengths is such a vital tool for personal development.
While I understand that comparison can sometimes result in anxiety, insecurity and feelings of inadequacy, we must remember that while we learn from others, they also learn from us. Let that fact drive your confidence. We must put our fears aside and commit to strength and the will to be the absolute best at what we do.
“Do something uncomfortable today. By stepping out of your box you don’t have to settle for what you are— you get to create who you want to become.”
Written by: April Rose Maroshick
Click this video to watch me speak about this in my recent Tea Talk:
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