Whether we like to accept it or not, the human race is competitive in nature and we must do our best to use it to our best advantage. Humans like to be in competition with each other and though often times or most of the time that competition is used negatively, there are times, our competitive nature benefits us positively.
We have heard and seen so many examples where people compare themselves to others and end of getting disappointed and making lots and lots of mistakes. We have to understand that even all our fingers are not the same not to mention 2 different human beings. If my thumb is not the same as my ring finger and my twin brother and I are not the same, tell me why I should be the same as my next door neighbor or friend.
I try my best not to compare myself to others because it costs nothing but unwarranted pressure and pain. You never know to what extent some people go to have what they have and by just looking at the final picture without seeing the work behind it or behind the scenes, you want to be like them.
Just take a look at the very rich people in the world. All we see is how much they have now in their names but most of us do not know exactly how much work they put and the sacrifices they made to get there. I always say that no one truly tells you exactly how much effort they put into making their lives as you see it. Some people might disagree with me but it’s just something I believe in and is very difficult for me to shake.
Most “successful” people will only tell you what you want to hear. Some people will make it look like you have to do it all on your own and not accept anyone else’s help. I have read stories where some successful businesses began with loans from their families or friends but then you’ll hear such individuals on tv say things like they built their businesses by doing some things that you cannot fathom. That’s why I also have problems with some motivational speakers 😂.
I am not immune to comparing myself to others. I am human too and in as much as I try not to compare myself to others, once in a while I fall victim to this and do some comparisons. But one thing I try to do a lot is to be content with what I have. Of course, I strive and wish to be in a better position than I am at the minute but I try to better myself by setting goals for myself and moving at my own pace. I don’t try to motivate myself by saying that, “Yahuza look at what your friend has accomplished. You should be doing same”. Naa, I try my best to avoid that.
I have seen how comparisons with others have made people do things they would have initially never done. But then the peer pressure gets to them and they tend to do all kinds of stuff. That’s very common in my country and especially in my town. If you’re looking for a perfect example of why you shouldn’t compare yourself to others, live in Tamale for a couple of weeks and you may see all the negative impacts of comparisons.
Just try your best to be content with yourself and motivate yourself by setting your goals.
What are your thoughts on the effects of comparing yourself to others? Are there positives and are they negatives? Share with us by participating in InLeo's calendar prompts. This is my response to day 13 of InLeo's August calendar prompts.
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Thank you.