Comparison is the thief of joy.” —Theodore Roosevelt
I’ve struggled with comparison and it is simply a character flaw that I don’t want in my life.
Comparing your self with others is not a good thing. At first, it might have been school grades, and being liked the most. And as I got older I began comparing other things like: job title, income level, house size, and worldly successes, just to name a few.
I have discovered there are an infinite number of categories upon which we can compare ourselves and an almost infinite number of people to compare ourselves to. Once we begin down that road, we never find an end. Emotional touché!
The tendency to compare ourselves to others is as human as any other emotion. Certainly I’m not alone in my experience. But it is a decision that only steals joy from our lives. And it is a habit with numerous shortcomings:
Comparisons are always unfair. Comparisons rob us of precious time. One second is too many. You are too unique to compare fairly. Your gifts and talents and successes and contributions and value are entirely unique to you and your purpose in this world. They can never be properly compared to anyone else. You have nothing to gain, but much to lose.
For example: your pride, your dignity, your drive, and your passion.
There is no end to the possible number of comparisons. The habit can never be overcome by attaining success. There will also be something—or someone—else to focus on. Comparison puts focus on the wrong person. You can control one life—yours. But when we constantly compare ourselves to others, we waste precious energy focusing on other peoples’ lives rather than our own. Comparisons often result in resentment; resentment towards others and towards ourselves.
Comparisons deprive us of joy. They add no value, meaning, or fulfillment to our lives. They only distract from it.
How might we break free from this habit of comparison?
- Take note of the foolish (and harmful) nature of comparison.
- Take notice of comparison’s harmful effects in your life. And find priority to intentionally remove it from the inside out.
- Become intimately aware of your own successes. Whether you are a writer, musician, businesswomen, landscaper, or mother, you have a unique perspective backed by unique experiences and unique gifts. You have the capacity to love, serve, and contribute. You have everything you need to accomplish good in your section of the world. Become intimately aware of your past successes. And find motivation in them to pursue more.
- Pursue the greater things in life.Some of the greatest treasures in this world are hidden from sight: love, humility, empathy, selflessness, and generosity. Desire them above everything else and remove yourself entirely from society’s definition of success.
- Compete less. Appreciate more. There may be times when competition is appropriate, but life is not one of them. We have all been thrown together at this exact moment on this exact planet. And the sooner we stop competing against others to “win,” the faster we can start working together to figure it out. The first and most important step in overcoming the habit of competition is to routinely appreciate and compliment the contribution of others.
Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude.
Gratitude always forces us to recognize the good things we already have in our world.
Remind yourself nobody is perfect.
While focusing on the negatives is rarely as helpful as focusing on the positives, there is important space to be found remembering that nobody is perfect and nobody is living a painless life. Triumph requires an obstacle to be overcome. And everybody is working through their own, whether you are close enough to know it or not.
Take a walk. Talk to Jesus!
Next time you find yourself comparing yourself to others, get up and change your surroundings. Go for a walk—even if only to the other side of the room. Allow the change in your surroundings/your heart to prompt change in your thinking and doing.
Find inspiration without comparison.
Comparing our lives with others is foolish. But finding inspiration and learning from others is entirely wise. Work hard to learn the difference.
Humbly ask questions of the people you admire.
If you need to compare, compare with yourself.
We ought to strive to be the best possible versions of ourselves—not only for our own selves, but also for the benefit and contribution we can offer to others. Work hard to take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Commit to growing a little bit each day. And learn to celebrate the little advancements you are making without comparing them to others.
Freedom found in comparing less is entirely worth the effort.
Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.” ~Galatians 6:4
I realized that if I were ever going to get my eyes off of other people, then I would have to keep my eyes on what God has given me, and using it to the best of my ability.
Each time I find myself starting to compare myself to others, I simply make the choice to stop those thoughts in their tracks and think about this verse. I re-direct my thinking to the truth, which says,
I was designed for a unique purpose and that no one else can fulfill my destiny but me!
I make a choice to focus on the strengths God has given me, do the best that I can with what He placed in my hands, and I thank Him for who He created me to be!
When we do this, we give glory to God, and get the satisfaction of a job well done! Now that better than walking around feeling jealous, insecure, or insignificant any day!
Discrimination/Comparison. Neither one belongs in our lives. It separates us and it is not the heart of God.
I can’t do this life without Jesus! I need Him every day all day long 24/7.
The Joy of the Lord is my strength!
If your not feeling joy, maybe your comparing your self in some way.
Don’t! Remember who you are In Christ!
I hope this helps in some way.
Blessings and love to All!
Alice ❤❤❤❤
