Sometimes we can’t help but compare ourselves with people around us. It is a natural tendency for humans to compare themselves with others in various aspects like wealth, careers, physical relationships, and relationships.
In some cases, it is okay to compare yourself with others because it helps you to improve and become the best version of yourself. But doing it frequently can be extremely bad for your mental health.
Theodore Roosevelt mentioned in one of his writings that comparison is the thief of joy. Even if you don’t agree with this statement, it is the truth for many reasons. Sometimes we forget the limit and compare ourselves to the extent that it makes us unhappy and insecure. It changes our mindset and makes us focus on the things we don’t have rather than the things we have.
Reasons why Comparison is the Thief of Joy
To get rid of this feeling of dissatisfaction, one should stop comparing themselves with others. Let us now walk you through the reasons why comparing yourself is a bad thing to do.
It Makes You Want More To Become Happy
Some people think getting more things in life unlocks happiness, but in reality, it leads you to more chaos and stress. The worst part is you getting stuck in a loop of wanting more things.
The happiest things in a person’s life are relationships, a successful career, and wealth. People who have all of these things are the most content in their lives. So, instead of comparing with others, one should focus more on their lives and work hard to make it better.
You Become Jealous
Do you ever ask this question, “Why is comparison the thief of joy?” When a person compares his/her life with others, at some point it makes them jealous. This makes them lose happiness, and they become bitter.
People compare themselves with others because they fantasize about living their life. It makes them believe that their life is inferior to others. Jealousy is a very powerful emotion and affects a person’s life negatively. It gives rise to unrealistic expectations, making us doubt ourselves.
You Become Discontent With What You Have
This is by far the biggest drawback of comparing yourself with others. Noticing what others have often made us lose interest in the things we own. You may feel that others have better and prettier things than you.
It doesn’t matter how many materialistic things you have, their value reduces when you compare it with others. This is why it is important to stop yourself from comparing other’s lives with yours. You should be content with what you have.
It Leads To Unrealistic Expectations
Many people compare themselves with their favorite celebrities and models and want to be like them. This type of behavior is fine as long as you are in control. The moment you cross the line, it turns into obsession, affecting your life.
Comparison leads to unrealistic expectations and failing to fulfil those expectations makes people unhappy. It is important to understand that everyone’s life is different and so is their journey.
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It Creates A Negative Self-Image
This habit of always comparing yourself with others is not all good and you should fix it before it affects your self-image. People who constantly compare themselves with others often have a negative self-image. They believe that they are not good enough for anyone or anything.
A negative self-image damages your self-worth and affects your mental well-being. In some extreme cases, it also causes depression, anxiety, and low self-confidence.
You Are Unable To Focus On Your Goals
Some might ask “What is the reason for comparison?” We compare ourselves with others when we think they are better than us. But in reality, it may not be what you think and it’s just in your mind.
When you are busy comparing yourself with your friends and others, you lose focus on your personal goals. To prevent this from happening, you should stop comparing yourself and focus more on yourself. That way, you can work towards your goals and achieve them.
It Stops You From Enjoying The Present Moment
Some of us get so engrossed in comparing ourselves with others that we forget to enjoy our present moment. We always focus on what others are doing or what they have. This is not the right way to enjoy your life.
Instead of being consumed with comparison, you should appreciate the things you have and work hard to achieve more. By doing so, you improve your life and become better than others.
It Creates A Feeling Of Becoming Perfect
You may or may not agree with this statement, but the idea of perfection is a lie. No one in this world is perfect because we all have some flaws. The internet and social media make us believe in things that are not possible to achieve in real life.
When you see pictures of beautiful models, you wish to look like them without realizing the sacrifices they make to achieve that level of perfection. People work on themselves to become better and not perfect.
It Makes You Feel Life In Unfair
This is one hard truth of comparing yourself with others. People with low self-esteem believe they are not good enough and life is unfair to them. But the truth is we all feel that way.
We all have insecurities and flaws we want to get rid of. But these are the things that make us unique and therefore, we should embrace them with all our heart. Once you start believing in yourself, life seems to be fair.
Comparison Turns Friends Into Enemies
Some people get jealous after seeing their friends become successful. Instead of being happy for them, they feel bitterness in their heart. If you don’t put these feelings under control, it may turn your friends into foes.
Comparing yourself with your friends is a bad thing and you should stop yourself from doing it. It leads to toxic behavior and turns your relationship with them sour.
Final Thoughts
Comparing yourself with others within a healthy limit is fine, but not beyond that. You should stop doing it, the moment it starts negatively affecting your life. The habit of comparing too much makes a person unhappy, bitter, and discontent in life.
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