We tend to look at others; their achievements, successes, acquisitions, possessions, and we compare ourselves with them. This predominantly exists and flourishes in today's world. Many people admire and relish what someone has and achieved, which could be a good thing. But then, they go beyond that and start putting themselves on a scale with that person or those people. It's then about the comparison game and culture.
It's quite disturbing how this has become a popular norm in society today. We compare with others of the same peer and status, and even with those who don't fall into these categories. That's how comparison can blind us. We see what we desire and fail to realise mostly how long it took that person to achieve it, what privileges they had, the opportunities, their environments and so on. These are the things that could make the difference.
To avoid comparing oneself with others is not as easy as said. It tends to happen, especially when you look at how much you've tried and how your years are increasing yet without the results you had expected. It's not easy. At the same time, it shouldn't be an excuse to appeal to the comparison culture. It's destructive in most cases; mentally, it leaves one thinking and restless. It also takes away gratitude for how far one has come and what they've achieved.
As we look at others and compare ourselves with them, we easily lose touch with our own reality and growth, and we start living in theirs. That's how destructive it can be. But then, there can be a positive side to comparing oneself with others. This is when it's healthy; you don't just look at their achievements and successes and get overwhelmed, but you use them as a means to encourage and remind yourself to keep on and that it's possible.
Perhaps, the right word in that sense shouldn't be “comparison.” Maybe it's something else, but at least I look at it from that angle in a healthy way. Nevertheless, one has to be careful to avoid moving from that healthy view and perspective to obsession. It's very easy to do that, especially when stress and frustration set in. This is why people have to be careful even when they might claim to be coming from this healthy view of it.
Comparison generally isn't encouraged and shouldn't be since in most cases it's always an overwhelming, obsessive feeling with destructive perception. One that has left many confused, tired and done. I don't even think that we need to compare ourselves with others in any healthy way as a means to get there. We should understand that timing differs, and that opportunities/privileges play a role in this. Our focus should rather be on our steady growth.
Image is AI generated.
