Moving Beyond the Shadow of Comparison
Has there ever been a moment when you've been scrolling social media and see someone else's achievements, beauty, or wealth and felt a twinge of envy?
If you're nodding your head, know that you're not alone.
Proverbs 14:30 perfectly expresses this feeling: "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." It highlights the vitality that inner peace can bring while warning about the corrosive nature of envy, often stemming from harmful comparisons.
A notable study by Stanford University's Department of Psychology (2020) showed that excessive comparison led to higher mental health issues among the participants.
Here's the big truth: While comparing ourselves to others is natural, it's not always beneficial. At its worst, it can lead to feelings of inferiority, decreased self-esteem, and even anxiety.
There's a difference between destructively comparing ourselves with others and being inspired by someone. When we admire or look up to someone, they become a source of motivation, not a yardstick to belittle our worth.
Steps To Move Beyond the Shadow of Comparison
Cultivating Gratitude: Embrace the power of gratitude. Focus on your uniqueness, not on what's missing.
Be Present: Stay engaged in your current situation. When we focus on now, we naturally divert our attention from others' lives, helping us cherish our journey more.
Being Kind to Yourself: Everyone has ups and downs, strengths and weaknesses. Show compassion for yourself when things don't go as planned.
Balancing Social Media Usage: Limiting time on social media can reduce the tendency to compare. Use the saved time to reconnect with your passions and dreams.
At the end of the day, remember that looking at others and being inspired is okay. But let's do so without tearing ourselves down in the process.
Online Coaching To Make Your Life Better -
KC Cupp
WaypointsCoaching.com
