Comparison steals joy
Ever heard," comparison is the true thief of joy". It was said by the 1901 American president Teddy Roosevelt, and he is absolutely right! Fast forward to now, in a world of people-watching and instant, constant access to the beautiful, successful and wealthy, how can we avoid comparing ourselves?!
I've got a few recommendations that can stop you from enviously checking other peeps:
1. Focus on you.
Make you the centre of your world. Self-care starts with you; it's not selfish. Self-care doesn't mean forgetting those you love. But making more time for you to dive into work, start creative projects, or do a hobby you've always wanted. Going after what YOU WANT.
Inevitably, you'll have less time to dedicate to jealousy. I'm a big fan of limiting my phone to reduce access to social media; who really needs to spend hours a day on it?! You'll be surprised how easily you get lost in other people's worlds. All you can control in this world is you. And you're fantastic!
2. Own it!
When we compare ourselves to others, we compare our low points to their high points. Other people's accomplishments are not your failures!! We tend not to be very good at bragging, but remind yourself of your accomplishments, and then brag a little! Whats app your friends about some work you did that you're super proud of! Tell your Mum about that compliment someone gave you. Bask in your own awesomeness!
3. Spend less time on social media.
Social media can be beautiful, but it's a dangerous place. Before you let fear of missing out consume you, remember we all use social media as a highlight reel. It's a place of stylised idealisation, not truth. No one posts about their actual failures, mistakes or daily monotonous tasks, but we all have them. Step away from the iPhone. Also, don't start your day by scrolling. If you’re phone is the first thing you do when waking up, you’re filling your mind with dreams of places you're not in and gorgeous folk you don't know. That comparison between reality and a dream isn't fair! Embrace where you are, you’ll begin to notice the little things in your present that are magical.
If you can’t quit social media- make it social!!
So many people just use it to spy. Isn’t just peeping on other people lives a bit strange?
4. Be happy for other people.
To overcome the negative effects of jealousy, try to be genuinely happy for others instead of comparing yourself to them. I know it can be tricky, but it's so important! Make a point to celebrate and compliment what others achieve as much as possible. You'll find that your feelings of envy start to fade, and you'll feel much better about yourself, too!