Theodore Roosevelt couldn’t be more accurate when he said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Many of us have struggled with it since we were little. We compare ourselves with our siblings, classmates, friends, and strangers online. Unfortunately, there is no lack of people or metrics to compare yourself with today. However, comparing yourself has no benefits; it will only make you feel like a failure. Therefore, you must stop it so you can love and accept yourself. Only then will you truly appreciate the good things in your life.

Dangers of Comparison

Comparison is dangerous. It is a slippery slope with no end once you start riding. It makes you pit your weaknesses against the other person’s strengths. Everyone typically presents the best version of themselves. Hence, you will likely focus on your worst parts when comparing yourself with others. Comparisons also waste time. When you compare yourself, you mull over what makes the other person so great while feeling sorry for yourself. Meanwhile, you could invest that time in personal development instead.

Additionally, comparison robs you of your dignity and self-worth. When you start comparing yourself, you may fall into depression and anxiety. If you put yourself under pressure to perform, you may also negatively impact your physical health. Comparison will also make you focus on the wrong things and cause resentment. Rather than being thankful for what you have, comparison can make you disdain your talents, gifts, and blessings. Thus, you end up chasing after what does not belong to you, causing sadness.

How to Break Free From Comparison

Understand the Dangers of Comparison

A good way to break free from comparison is to be aware of how dangerous it is. Comparison will affect your health, your relationships, and your joy. Perhaps you started unconsciously without knowing it could harm you. You may also have started it as a way to motivate yourself. However, it has no benefits and will only reduce the quality of your life. Therefore, reframe your mindset and let go of this harmful habit.

Reframe Your Focus

Sometimes, we can get lost in comparisons and forget that we are also talented individuals. When you reroute your focus to yourself, you will appreciate your talents, skills, and unique perspectives better. There is no other person like you; therefore, choose to love yourself and see your own successes.

Practice Gratitude

When you start practicing gratitude, you can break free from comparison. Gratitude will compel you to see and love the things you take for granted. It will also shift your gaze from what you don’t have to what you have. Gratitude is a powerful tool that forces you to take a break from the noise around you and be present. 

Be Kind

Another way to break free from comparison is through kindness. Demonstrating love, compassion, empathy, kindness, and generosity to others will change your perspective. You will also be able to view success differently from how society does. This way, you can stop comparing yourself and focus on making a difference.

Understand That You are Not Perfect

You do not live in a perfect world, and you are not perfect, either. Similarly, no one is perfect. Therefore, whatever images or views you have of another person are entirely based on a subsection of the truth. Reminding yourself of this will help you to be kind to yourself and others. Compliment others regularly instead of competing with them, and don’t expect perfection from yourself or others.

Drop the Gadget

You can restrict your usage if you notice that you always engage in comparisons when you are on social media. Avoid the platform(s) for some time while you detox. You can also change your surroundings or walk to stop the thoughts. This way, you consciously break the flow of the negative thoughts.

Be Motivated

Sometimes, we only see the result without taking cognizance of the effort that enabled it. Instead of comparing yourself with those you think are more successful, try to find out what sacrifices helped to yield those results. Ask questions, read their books, talk to them, and put in effort. This way, you can stop the comparisons and work out your success.

Comparison can derail your life if care is not taken. You can overcome it and make a difference in your life and others. These tips will help you break free from comparison and focus on self-acceptance,

#Clique, do you compare yourself to others? Does such a comparison put more pressure on you? What steps did you take to stop comparing yourself to others? Let us know in the comments.