Comparison: The Thief of Joy

I wish I had that house.

I want that car. Mine sucks.

I wish I made $1M a year.

How come that dude sells more “whatever” than me?

Heard this before?
Said this before?
Ya, me too…

Have you ever found yourself scrolling through social media, admiring someone else's seemingly perfect life, and suddenly feeling like your own achievements are insignificant? Maybe you’ve just closed a big deal or launched a successful project, and yet, the moment you see someone else’s highlight reel, your joy deflates like a punctured balloon. This phenomenon is all too common and has been succinctly described by Theodore Roosevelt with a single sentence: “Comparison is the thief of joy.”

The Psychology Behind Comparison

Human beings are inherently social creatures. Our brains are wired to connect, communicate, and compare. Historically, this trait has had survival benefits. Early humans who could compare themselves with others were better able to learn, adapt, and thrive in their communities. However, in the modern world, this tendency can often do more harm than good. With the advent of social media, the scope of our comparison has expanded exponentially. We’re no longer comparing ourselves with our neighbors or colleagues but with millions of people worldwide, most of whom we’ve never met.

The Illusion of Perfection

One of the most damaging aspects of comparison is the illusion of perfection it creates. When we see others' successes, we often forget that they, too, have their own set of challenges and failures. Social media is a highlight reel, a curated collection of the best moments. Rarely do people share their struggles, insecurities, or the mundane aspects of their lives. This illusion can make us feel inadequate and unworthy, leading to a negative self-image.

Imagine seeing a colleague post about their latest career achievement. You immediately feel a pang of envy and start questioning your own progress, feeling like you’re not doing enough. But what you don’t see are the late nights they spent working, the sacrifices they made, or the setbacks they encountered along the way.

The Negative Impact on Mental Health

Constant comparison can have severe implications for mental health. It can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. When you are always focused on what others have, you lose sight of your own accomplishments and the things that make you unique. This can create a sense of unfulfillment and a constant state of striving for something more, without ever feeling satisfied.

A study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found that the more people used social media, the more likely they were to experience depression and anxiety. The study concluded that the increased exposure to the curated lives of others leads to unrealistic expectations and a distorted view of reality.

Breaking Free from the Comparison Trap

So, how do you break free from the comparison trap and reclaim your joy?

Here are three action items to help you get started:

Action Item 1: Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful antidote to comparison. By focusing on what you have rather than what you lack, you can shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance. Start a daily gratitude practice by writing down three things you’re grateful for each day. These can be simple things like a good cup of coffee, a supportive friend, or a small achievement at work. Over time, this practice can help you appreciate your own life and accomplishments, reducing the urge to compare yourself to others.

How to Start a Gratitude Practice

1. Set Aside Time Daily: Choose a time each day to reflect on what you're grateful for. Many people find that doing this in the morning sets a positive tone for the day, while others prefer to do it at night to reflect on the day's events.

2. Use a Journal: Writing down your thoughts can help solidify them in your mind. Keep a gratitude journal where you list three to five things you're grateful for each day.

3. Be Specific: Instead of writing vague statements like "I'm grateful for my family," try to be specific: "I'm grateful for the way my partner made me laugh today."

4. Express Gratitude to Others: Tell the people in your life that you appreciate them. This not only boosts your own mood but also strengthens your relationships.

Action Item 2: Set Personal Goals

Instead of measuring your success against others, set personal goals that are meaningful to you. These goals should be specific, achievable, and aligned with your values. By focusing on your own journey, you can create a sense of purpose and direction that is independent of external validation. Celebrate your progress and milestones, no matter how small they may seem. Remember, success is not a one-size-fits-all concept, and your path is unique to you.

Steps to Setting Personal Goals

1. Identify Your Values: Reflect on what truly matters to you. Your goals should align with your core values to ensure that you're pursuing something meaningful.

2. Be Specific and Realistic: Clearly define what you want to achieve and ensure your goals are attainable. Instead of setting a vague goal like "be healthier," aim for something specific like "exercise three times a week."

3. Break Down Goals into Smaller Steps: Large goals can be overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, manageable steps that you can work on consistently.

4. Track Your Progress: Keep a record of your progress. This can be a journal, a spreadsheet, or an app. Seeing how far you've come can be incredibly motivating.

5. Celebrate Milestones: Take the time to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. This reinforces your progress and keeps you motivated.

Action Item 3: Limit Social Media Use

Social media can be a breeding ground for comparison, so it’s essential to manage your usage mindfully. Set boundaries for yourself, such as designated times for checking social media or limiting your daily screen time. Curate your feed to include accounts that inspire and uplift you, rather than those that trigger feelings of inadequacy. Take regular breaks from social media to reconnect with yourself and your surroundings. Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment outside the digital world.

Tips for Healthy Social Media Use

1. Set Time Limits: Use your phone's settings to limit the amount of time you spend on social media each day.

2. Unfollow and Mute: If certain accounts make you feel bad about yourself, unfollow or mute them. Follow accounts that inspire and uplift you instead.

3. Designate Social Media-Free Times: Establish times during the day when you don't check social media, such as during meals or before bed.

4. Engage in Real-Life Activities: Spend time doing things that bring you joy and fulfillment, such as hobbies, exercise, or spending time with loved ones.

5. Be Mindful of Your Emotions: Pay attention to how social media makes you feel. If you notice it's affecting your mood negatively, take a break.

Embrace Your Unique Journey

It’s important to recognize that everyone’s journey is different. What works for someone else might not work for you, and that’s perfectly okay. Embrace your unique path and focus on your personal growth and development. Celebrate your successes and learn from your failures. By doing so, you can cultivate a sense of self-worth that is not dependent on external comparisons.

The Power of Self-Compassion

Practicing self-compassion is another crucial step in breaking free from the comparison trap. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer a friend. Acknowledge your efforts and recognize that it’s okay to have setbacks. Self-compassion helps build resilience and fosters a positive self-image, making it easier to resist the urge to compare yourself to others.

How to Practice Self-Compassion

1. Speak Kindly to Yourself: Pay attention to your inner dialogue. When you catch yourself being self-critical, try to reframe your thoughts in a more compassionate and supportive manner.

2. Acknowledge Your Humanity: Recognize that everyone makes mistakes and experiences failure. It's a part of being human. Allow yourself to learn from these experiences without harsh judgment.

3. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness involves being present in the moment without judgment. It can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to address them with compassion.

4. Give Yourself Permission to Rest: Recognize that taking breaks and resting is essential for your well-being. Don't push yourself to the point of burnout.

Building a Supportive Community

Surround yourself with people who support and uplift you. A positive and encouraging community can make a significant difference in how you perceive yourself and your achievements. Share your goals and progress with people who genuinely care about your well-being. Celebrate each other’s successes and offer support during challenging times. By fostering a sense of community, you can create an environment where comparison takes a backseat to collaboration and mutual growth.

Ways to Build a Supportive Community

1. Join Groups and Communities: Look for groups that align with your interests and values. This can be anything from professional organizations to hobby clubs.

2. Be Vulnerable: Share your struggles and successes with others. Authenticity fosters deeper connections and allows others to support you.

3. Support Others: Offer your support and encouragement to others. Building a supportive community is a two-way street.

4. Seek Out Mentors and Coaches: Find mentors or coaches who can offer guidance and support in your personal and professional life.

Comparison is indeed the thief of joy, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent fixture in your life. By practicing gratitude, setting personal goals, limiting social media use, embracing your unique journey, practicing self-compassion, and building a supportive community, you can reclaim your joy and cultivate a fulfilling and authentic life. Remember, the only person you should compare yourself to is the person you were yesterday. Strive to be a better version of yourself, and the rest will fall into place.

Thank you for reading.

I hope you found value in this.