No one here on Earth can say that you are destined to succeed or fail. However, as an individual, you have every potential to achieve the former through the choices and decisions you make. Of course, it can be beneficial, in some ways, for you to recognize the achievement of others. But make no mistake, it serves no purpose to either envy them or covet their achievements.
Obviously, it is easier said than done. According to Leon Festinger, a renowned psychologist, the desire of humans to compare themselves to others is nothing but a drive. He added that the latter is as powerful as either thirst or hunger. While comparisons can be informative, they can always end up discouraging. Why? That is simply because someone will always end up on the bottom. In case you did not know, there are some good reasons why it is high time for you to stop comparing yourself to others in the class.
The So-Called “Perfection” is Merely an Illusion
Have you found yourself constantly envying your classmate? Not just because he has high grades in Mathematics, but also because he has some of the nicest shoes in your school. No matter how tempting it is to ask your parents to buy you the same shoes, this is just a sliver of your classmate’s real life. Sure, it is the truth, but it is not exactly the “whole truth and nothing but the truth” thing. Your classmate may look happy wearing his new Jordan kick, but what you probably did not know is that he is more into Nike shoes. If you actually know the “whole truth,” you might not just feel so inadequate to compare yourself to others.
Learn To Accept
When you start comparing yourself to others, it is either you fail to accept or acknowledge the choices you really have. If you are able to concentrate on whatever these choices are, then it is easier for you to find the alternative that effectively works best for you. Instead of wasting your time focusing on others, focus on yourself. Know your own goals and strengths. Stop saying that your classmate is better than you, as this does nothing but bring discomfort and stress.
For example, you learned that your classmate got a high score on his assignment. And even if you did well, you just cannot accept the fact that he got a higher score than you. Learn to accept that things can go like this. Instead of making it an issue, use it to your advantage. Evaluate why you think your score ended like that. Perhaps it is time for you to venture out and try other methods. Simply put, find an alternative that will help you focus on yourself. If you think working with homework helper online or a tutor will do wonders, then so be it. Treat yourself.
Life Is Like That
Whether you like it or not, there will always be a person who is better and more advantageous than you. He has a perfectly symmetrical face or a rapid-fire metabolism. He knows math more than you do. He has the money to buy new stuff, thanks to his parents. Yet when you compare yourself to others, you tend to beat yourself up for not trying hard enough. That is not true, because no matter how hard you try, if that person is really on his way to success, then nothing can stop him. Stop comparing yourself and focus on your own.
Keep Working and Try to Achieve Your Goals
Instead of wasting time and energy comparing yourself to others, focus your attention on yourself. Start by measuring what you have achieved compared to a few months or years ago. From there, appreciate the progress you have made so far. If you think you still need to do better, then focus on this one and set it as your goal. But, of course, aside from measuring, you need to hold yourself accountable.
Become Intimately Aware of Your Own Successes
Whatever your status in life is, you will always have that unique perspective backed by unique experiences and unique gifts. You have the capacity to love, serve, and contribute. You have everything you need to accomplish good in your little section of the world. With that opportunity squarely in front of you, become intimately aware of your past successes. And find motivation in them to pursue more.
Instead of Competing, Be Appreciative
It is given that competition is appropriate, especially if the situation asks for it. However, you do not have to compete with other people out there. This is where you want to appreciate and compliment the contribution of others. And once you are successful at it, you will be able to axe out the habit of competition.