Weekly newsletter
I. Prompts for motivation
How often do you catch yourself making comparisons between your life and that of others? Is it easy to recognize what it is you’re really longing for at the core, or is it difficult to see past any feelings that come up, like envy or jealousy?
Can you think of any strategies you can use in these moments to rise above the traps of a scarcity-filled point of view? Who in your life is worth emulating when it comes to finding the right perspective in these situations?
II. Thoughts for intention
In small amounts, comparison is accepted as a normal part of our natural social cognition as human beings. When used well, it serves as a tool for motivation and self-improvement. However, if left unattended, it can unfortunately plummet our sense of self-worth and negatively affect all of our relationships. The problem with social comparison is that it can lead to toxic thought processes that generate severe levels of stress, anxiety, lack, and fear, which can further lead to a shattering of one’s confidence and self-esteem.
One challenging thing about making comparisons is that, more often than not, it can appear outside our level of awareness. Which means that it has the ability to sneakily make you question your path and demand that things be different than the way they already are. This can develop into an unhelpful attitude, including a rigid state of hostility, resistance, judgment, and a lack of acceptance. Thankfully, just by understanding how this pernicious energy works, we can honor ourselves by setting helpful intentions to protect our self-esteem with proper care and compassion on a regular basis.
III. Ideas for preparation
The only person we should be comparing to is our very selves. Our efforts should focus solely on what we are trying to achieve and accomplish rather than on what others are doing. Because when we allow ourselves to get distracted over someone else’s goals and desires, we immediately lose track of our own story, journey, values, and well-being. As hard as it can be to avoid, we are not meant to design our lives based on the perception others hold of us. Rather, it is our distinct passions and purpose that propel us forward and provide us with the highest level of personal enjoyment and satisfaction.
By focusing on improving ourselves and moving closer to our goals, we can channel our greatest form of creativity yet. It is a kind that expands completely as opposed to one that narrows on something that is not worth our time. Moreover, making comparisons is one of the most harmful poisons to our creative process. In its most negative form, it carries destructive emotions that sadly influence the outcome of whatever we are working on. Which is why by remaining attuned to our own progress, we can always rest assured that we are treating what matters to us with utmost care and dedication.
IV. Quotes for inspiration
“Comparison is a creativity killer, among other things. Here is my definition of comparison: Comparison is the crush of conformity from one side and competition from the other – it’s trying to simultaneously fit in and stand out. Comparison says, ‘Be like everyone else, but better.’”
― Brené Brown, Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience
“How much time he gains who does not look to see what his neighbor says or does or thinks, but only at what he does himself, to make it just and holy.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
