Weekly Prompt #13: How do you compare yourself to others?
Hello everyone, I hope everyone is having a good week.
In the last week, we discussed Have you ever experienced emotional burnout? If you haven't checked yet, please click here to add your thoughts.
This week's prompt is: How do you compare yourself to others?
Comparing ourselves to others is a common human behavior that can either motivate or demotivate us. It's easy to fall into the trap of comparing our lives, achievements, and possessions to those of others, but it's important to remember that we are all on our own unique journeys.
I usually compare myself with others with regards to personality traits like resilience , commitment , determination , optimism , far-sightednesd , strength , humbleness , leadership , communication skills..... almost all the traits that I wish to improve in myself. This gives me a goal to look up to. And also I get to learn more effective ways to work upon myself.
@Emerbliss I hear your motivation to learn from comparing yourself to others in positive ways. These small steps in the right direction can add up over time.
this is so crazy that it’s this weeks prompt because i was just comparing myself so much to others that i had to come here to vent and let my thoughts out. but i compare myself to literally everyone and it definitely motivates me but it makes me more anxious than anything. like for example, i just got a job and have been working here for a month and i recommended my friend to work here but now i’m so scared she’s gonna be better than me in only a couple weeks when even a month in, i still don’t have everything memorized. and i definitely want to try harder but i’m just scared everyone is gonna like my friends better and leave me out.
@chels384 It sounds like comparing yourself to others, especially now at your new job, is causing you a lot of anxiety and worry. Feeling anxious in this situation is understandable. I get why the thought of your friend doing better than you would be discouraging. But please know you're doing the best you can in your new role after only a month - that's really great progress. Please focus on your own journey at your own pace can help alleviate some of the pressure you're putting on yourself. Also we are all here with you to listen to and support.
@ASilentObserver
i compare social skills and confidence 😧
@feefus
Thnx for sharing :) I can totally relate to this.
😼 @ovowoody
@feefus I hear comparing yourself to others can be difficult. What emotions come up for you when you notice the differences?
@ASilentObserver
feelings of worthlessness, inadequacy, and self loathing
Accept that they are on another level of existence than me. There is no point in comparing. I keep the delusion that if I improve enough maybe they'll finally see me but the 3 of us know that they never will. The only reason I still improve at this point, is to get good enough to the point where I can help others. I dont expect acknowledgement or a thank you, just as long as I can make their lives better, that shall be my purpose. I still create and improve my art, not in hopes that I will be seen or remembered, but my art will. No one will care or remember me, I have accepted that fact, but just maybe if I get good enough, my art can rise above it, at least that will be remembered
@TwoFacedTim It's understandable focusing on your art would be meaningful, even if others don't acknowledge your efforts. Feeling others won't see or remember you must be tough at times. You've found a purpose that matters deeply to you. Creating art that rises above and helps others gets why that goal would drive your improvement.
@ASilentObserver
Comparing myself to others is really easy to do! I study medicine which tends to attract extremely competitive people, often high achievers. I often find myself comparing my success in relation to my peers. I can also rely on other peoples' praise to drive my motivation which can act both as a driving factor but also can lead to burnout.
@charmingEagle47 Comparing yourself to others can be difficult. It comes across these high achieving peers bring up tough feelings. You're doing great in focusing your motivation to help others through your medical studies.
@ASilentObserver
What i do is worse. I compare myself to my ideal self. This ideal is so high that comparing myself to normal humans would be a relief.
@Gettingbettertoday That sounds difficult. What emotions come up for you when comparing yourself to this ideal self?
@ASilentObserver
Its a feeling of disappointment and emptiness.
@Gettingbettertoday It makes sense those comparisons bring up disappointment and emptiness within yourself. Feeling those emotions in this situation is okay. You're not alone in struggling with negative self-talk at times.
I try not to compare myself to others but when I do I see how they are better than me emotionally and mentally their mindset is much more positive and I wish to have that
When I start comparing myself to others, such as my childhood friend. I feel like total loser. He has successful career, children, wife and family of his own. I have none of these. I am worthless.
That doesn’t make you worthless. Some people just move quicker than others. Just because people have those things doesn’t always been they are happy or doing better than someone who doesn’t have those things.
I’m sure you have characteristics he wish he has. Don’t be hard on yourself, your time will come. They say good things come to those that wait
@truthfulbliss222
Thanks, I think if keep comparing myself to others I will be never truly happy. Instead of thinking what I dont have, I try to think what I have. Be grateful for it! 😊
I compare myself to my friend by co paring how alike we are and also how I am not as good as them when it comes to drawing or how people like them more than me. I realized that God gives me what he wants me to thave and if we aren't drawing a like then that is okay. Also, my woth isn't dependant on other people. It itnwere then it wouldn't be stable. My worth comes from God and it cannot be taken away.