“If you compare yourself to others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.” – Max Ehrmann
Social media has given us a falsified glimpse into the lives of others. You’re probably not exempt from its clutches either, because the need to exhibit a fake life is largely a human trait. Many are unskilled at deciphering what is true and what isn’t; hence they absorb all information, thereby creating a breeding ground for unhealthy emotions like envy and jealousy (or extremities like depression and suicide). Failure to approach social media with a shallow view would leave you thinking your life is dull and unexciting. The truth is, what we see on social media, is not always what is.
Are you one of those men who measure their success against another’s, berating yourself for not living up to their standards? You need to reset your mindset. Rather than make comparisons, create your value and consciously learn to acknowledge your own merits. “Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.” – Max Ehrmann
Like a collection of harmful events, soaking in everything you see on social media leads to envy, which leads to you feeling unsuccessful. But what really is success? You alone can define your version of success by writing what you aim to achieve in life – “write the vision, make it plain”. When you have clarity on what success means to you, draw up the steps you need to take to achieve your goals, this would serve as a buffer in times when you feel the need to compare yourself to others.
“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however, measured or far away.” – Henry David Thoreau.
In essence, dance to your own drum beat.
Finally, always remember to remain positive. Limit your interactions with people who make you feel insufficient. Live your life to the fullest and remember to enjoy every moment of it.