Self Help Wellness

We all compare ourselves to others every now and then but the extent to which we do so is what generally takes toil on our general well being. Here are a few questions to ask when involved in this exercise of comparing to others. How do you feel? To what benefit is it to you? Is comparing to others a habit? Personally I have found comparing ones self to others unhealthy and here is why. On most occasions when you are engrossed in the exercise of comparing  to others you are bound to focus on your weak qualities and compare them to the other persons strength; that is certainly a good recipe for disaster. Even when you compare your strengths to another persons strength you may not be left feeling any better either because when you do so you are either consciously or unconsciously seeking gratification which you may not receive during the exercise. When you compare yourself to others you may be left feeling;

 Envious /jealous

Unhappy

misplaced confidence

Unnecessary self consciousness

Angry

 Depressed/withdrawn

Inferior or superior

Not a great list… Hhmm.! Kuriansky says that “If you do something that is much more related to your own life rather than comparing yourself to someone else, then that would be the highest rung of healthiness,”

 Tips to Break the Habit

1. Self awareness: As you develop and utilize your sense of awareness you are more able to establish why you feel and behave in certain ways. Remember Actions have consequences…first rule of life. And the second rule is this: You are the only one responsible for your own actions – Holly Lisle. By being self aware you are better positioned to manage yourself. For instance, you are well aware that every time you compare yourself to others you are left feeling inferior or unhappy. But then, you are also aware that you have a choice, to compare or not to compare!

2. Stop: with a sense of awareness you can learn to stop comparing  to others. The art of comparing  yourself to others I believe is generally learnt over time to the extent that it becomes habitual and you don’t even know you are doing it. If that is case, once you have developed a good sense of awareness it is time to unlearn the habit of comparing in such an unhealthy manner. And it’s simple; just stop and focus on you, we can all be beautiful and unique in our own different ways.

3. Acknowledgment: Showing acknowledgment to the other (the person you are comparing yourself to) may be exceptionally difficult especially if you are left feeling negative each time you compare yourself to them. However, if you are able to acknowledge them with an honest heart you most certainly will be left feeling better which in turn can help you look within yourself. Embrace your strengths, learn and grow.

 Good Luck and Be sure to share your thoughts

Picture credited to Thebusybrain

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