In an era of constant exposure to other people’s lives, achievements, and happiness, comparison has become an inevitable part of our lives. We often watch people celebrating their success over social media and showing off their lavish lives. Seeing these, we often tend to compare our lives with others. But the truth is that comparison is the thief of happiness. If we continue to let comparison consume us, it will eventually kill our happiness.
The endless cycle comparison
Comparison is an endless cycle. There will always be someone who appears to be healthier, wealthier, more attractive, or more successful in life than you. The moment you accomplish something, there will be someone reaching the next step of success. Instead of celebrating our achievements, we end up comparing them with others and diminishing our happiness.
The spread of social media has only made the situation worse. We are constantly bombarded with others’ curated lives, where they only share the best and most happening parts of their lives. The reality behind the scenes—the struggles, failures, and hardships—is never shown. And we end up manifesting such a picture-perfect life. This creates the perspective that everyone else is thriving while we are struggling, creating dissatisfaction and unhappiness.
Why comparison kills happiness
It shifts focus away from gratitude
The comparison makes us focus on what we lack rather than appreciating what we have. Gratitude is one of the key components of happiness. When we start comparing, we rob ourselves of the ability to be thankful for our journey.
It lowers self-esteem
Constantly comparing ourselves with others can lead to self-doubt. Instead of recognizing our unique strengths and progress, we tend to fixate on perceived shortcomings, which can take a serious toll on our confidence.
It creates unnecessary stress
Trying to keep up with others is exhausting sometimes. We often chase after higher salaries, more aesthetic lifestyles, or try to meet social expectations. This leaves us with stress, which can make us feel unfulfilled and drained.
It distracts from personal growth
Happiness comes from self-improvement and setting goals based on personal values rather than external validation. The comparison makes us fixated on others’ success, and we stop admiring our personal growth.
Breaking free from the trap of comparison
Practice gratitude daily
Make it a habit to acknowledge and appreciate the good things in our lives. Simply reflecting on the positive aspects of our day can make us feel grateful for what we have and what we have gained so far.
Limit social media consumption
Generally, what we see online is just a highlight reel. If we unfollow the accounts that make us feel inadequate and set boundaries around our usage, it will be a useful step to break the trap of comparison.
Celebrate your own achievements
Celebrating our own achievements and giving ourselves credit for small things we gain can make us feel good about ourselves.
Focus on your unique journey
Every one of us has our own unique journey. We go through hardships, struggles, and failures to finally achieve something. It is important to honor the journey and give it recognition.
Surround yourself with positive influences
Our surroundings play a very important role in shaping our personality; our surroundings can determine how we feel about ourselves. Supportive and uplifting people reinforce a healthy mindset.
Comparison is a natural human behavior but can drain our happiness when left unchecked. Happiness is not found in having more and being better than someone else but in appreciating who we are and where we are right now.
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Writer
Zabin Tasmin
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE