“When you are content to be simply yourself and don’t compare or compete, everybody will respect you.”
Lao Tzu
Today we will focus on a habit that can harm your self-esteem and lead to feelings of unhappiness within yourself.
This habit has become more prevalent with the rise of social media and the internet.
This habit is comparing yourself and your life to the highlight reels of others.
What does this mean?
It means that it is effortless to start comparing your life to the seemingly perfect lives of friends, acquaintances, or celebrities as you see their homes, children, and relationships portrayed in such a positive light.
However, is that their entire reality shared on platforms like Facebook and Instagram?
Most likely not.
It’s important to remember that what is shared online is usually just the highlights of a person’s life, the positive moments.
While it’s natural to want to share these moments with others, it can sometimes lead to destructive behaviors.
Some individuals may strive to create a more perfect image of their lives to receive instant gratification through comments, likes, and validation from others.
But it’s essential to remember that everyone faces challenges at some point.
Everyone experiences failures, illnesses, flaws, bad days, or negative habits, regardless of their outward appearance or lifestyle.
I, too, face these struggles just like anyone else.
There are days when I stumble, doubt myself, or feel pessimistic. And that’s perfectly normal.
Therefore, it’s crucial not to strive for perfection or measure your worth against someone else’s highlight reel.
Instead, here are three healthier steps you can take:
Step 1: Compare in a smarter way.
There will always be individuals who have more or seem better than you in various aspects of life.
Instead of feeling envious or inferior, compare yourself to your past self. Reflect on the obstacles you’ve overcome, the lessons you’ve learned, and the personal growth you’ve experienced.
Step 2: Focus on what truly matters.
Allocate your time and energy towards developing habits that contribute to your personal growth and overall happiness.
For instance, strive to maintain a positive outlook for a higher percentage of your time or dedicate more time to activities that bring you joy or help you enhance valuable skills.
Step 3: Let go of negative influences.
If certain social media accounts or sources make you feel inadequate or diminish your self-esteem, consider unsubscribing or limiting your exposure to them, even if they provide momentary entertainment.
Remember, life is more than just a highlight reel that others share.
Look beyond these curated images, acknowledge the humanity in everyone, and refrain from comparing yourself to a limited perspective of someone else’s life.
In the long run, you will appreciate this shift in mindset.