Psychologists say that we are all predisposed to evaluate our own worth by comparing ourselves to others. However, with the advent of social media and the internet, we are no longer limited to comparing ourselves to our peers. We are now constantly observing and comparing ourselves to celebrities. It’s suddenly feasible to compare our life to nearly anything.
For some of us, social media and internet browsing can be beneficial and enjoyable experiences. However, many of us may experience negative consequences when we begin to notice how social media affects our mental health, happiness, and self-esteem. By the way, in that circumstance, a social media audit is required. Keep track of which websites and types of material make you unhappy. Next time, try limiting how often you visit them and observe how it affects your mood. Unfollow or disown anything or anybody that brings you down or makes you compare your life to theirs negatively.
When we create harmful upward comparisons, we assume that the person to whom we are comparing ourselves is better or happier than we are. However, this is not always the case. It’s not just about social media; it’s about all forms of media. Even in seemingly innocuous settings, such as viewing interviews with high achievers, I wonder if this is beneficial or just makes me feel like I’m falling short. The distinction between motivation and demotivation is thin.
Be thankful for what God has provided and blessed you with.
There are invariably references to gratitude in all of Harvard’s positive psychology research on the science of human flourishing. People that are grateful are content. People who are highly appreciative are incredibly joyful.
What’s amazing about all of this study is that it’s discovered that small treatments can generate strong feelings of appreciation while also increasing happiness levels. To put it another way, if you intentionally boost your feelings of appreciation, you will automatically feel happier. There are no further outside resources required. You don’t need a better career, a nicer car, or anything else new and shiny; all you need is time to contemplate and be appreciative.
The following are some easy techniques to quit comparing yourself to others:
- Take care of your lawn by watering it yourself- We squander time that could be spent on ourselves when we focus on other people. We don’t tend to our neighbours’ gardens; instead, we tend to our own. Rather than wasting time comparing your journey to that of others, invest, create, and care for your own.
- Recognize that the movie isn’t over yet- If you’re unhappy with your current situation, keep in mind that it’s only a snapshot of your life. What you are today has nothing to do with where you will be in one or three years. It doesn’t matter where you are. What matters is your attitude, perspective, and destination.
- Accept your flaws- Someone richer, smarter, and more gorgeous than you will always exist. Everyone is flawed in some way. The solution isn’t to try to be perfect. So, rather of berating yourself for your shortcomings, eccentricities, and flaws, accept yourself completely. Accepting that you are absolutely imperfect will help you to be free.
- Make a comparison that inspires you- We have a tendency to compare our behind-the-scenes work to that of others. We tend to focus on their accomplishments rather than the tens of thousands of hours they spent planning and preparing for it. Rather than becoming discouraged by other people’s achievements, allow them to inspire you. Allow them to serve as motivation for who you can be, what you can do, and what you can have in life.
- Detox from social media- On Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, we’re constantly assaulted with folks who appear to have it all. What we don’t realise is that we frequently compare our own low points to the great points of others. Social media can be a fantastic source of ideas. However, if it causes feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, or dissatisfaction, you should detox. Ensure that you are in charge of social media rather than the other way around.
You give away your power whenever you focus on what other people have that you don’t. Every minute you spend comparing your path to that of others is time you don’t spend building your own.
Decide to focus your energy on believing rather than doubting, and on producing rather than destroying.
Concentrate on yourself. Concentrate on watering your lawn and constructing your route. Concentrate on being the best version of yourself and sharing it with the rest of us.
“Don’t compare your life to others.
There’s no comparison between the sun and the moon.
They shine when it’s their time.”— Cassey Ho
