Today’s Navigate the Chaos question is “How often do you make the mistake of comparing yourself to others?”
People who navigate the chaos seldom make the mistake of comparing themselves to others.
It’s a fool’s errand and those who are in the process of translating their dreams into reality have no time for such foolish endeavors.
American actress and author Octavia Lenora Spencer told a graduating class “The journey you take now will be led by you alone. Let me say that again. The journey you take now will be led by you alone. Don’t let that scare you, oh no, let that liberate you. Remember, no one came here the same way, and you won’t all achieve success the same way. But because you all have shaped your path to graduation in a way that is uniquely and undeniably yours, I am pretty confident that you will continue to do that. But as you move forward, please, please, please, oh please, don’t let yourself get caught up in the trap of comparison. You know what I’m talking about. Ignore the silly 30-Under-30 list that the internet throws at you before you’ve even had your morning cup of coffee. Those will be the bane of your existence post-graduation, trust me. Trust me. Comparing yourself to other’s success only slows you down from finding your own.”
Personal growth and professional development requires a high level of self-awareness. When we compare ourselves to others, we should consider asking why that is? Would good will comparing yourself to others do? How does that benefit your personal growth or professional development?
Focusing on others takes precious time away from looking inward. Each day provides an opportunity to know our current self while working on create our future self. Comparing yourself to others will only slow down your development.
How often do you make the mistake of comparing yourself to others?