Motivation Monday: Stop comparing

By virtue of being human, I think most people are innately competitive - whether they admit it to themselves or not. It's ingrained - within our genetic make-up. And while boasting a healthy competitive drive is somewhat necessary for success, it should not dictate one's life. Nor should it lead to comparisons. 

Thanks to the blog Becomingminalist, here is a list of why comparing is a slippery slope.

1. Comparisons are always unfair. We typically compare the worst we know of ourselves to the best we presume about others.
2. Comparisons rob us of precious time. We each get 86,400 seconds each day. And using even one to compare yourself or your accomplishments to another is one second too many.
3. You are too unique to compare fairly. Your gifts and talents and successes and contributions and value are entirely unique to you and your purpose in this world. They can never be properly compared to anyone else.
4. You have nothing to gain, but much to lose. For example: your pride, your dignity, your drive, and your passion.
5. Comparison puts focus on the wrong person. You can control one life—yours. But when we constantly compare ourselves to others, we waste precious energy focusing on other peoples’ lives rather than our own.
6. Comparisons often result in resentment. Resentment towards others and towards ourselves.
7. Comparisons deprive us of joy. They add no value, meaning, or fulfillment to our lives. They only distract from it.

And here is a guide to stop comparing.

• Become aware of your own successes
• Pursue the greater things in life
• Compete less. Appreciate more. 
• Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude. 
• Remind yourself nobody is perfect
• Find inspiration without comparison
• If you need to compare, compare with yourself.