Did you know that approximately 87% of the people in the world feel inferior in some way?
The major reasons given for these feelings of inferiority is that we spend way too much time comparing how we’re doing with our judgement of how someone else is doing. In other words, comparing our insides to someone else’s outsides and not measuring up. We’re comparing our behind-the-scenes reel with everyone else’s highlight reel.”
Comparing ourselves to others and not measuring up is often the reason that we do not take the steps necessary to make that brilliant idea we’ve had for a very long time a reality. We quit when we compare ourselves to a successful co-worker, a leader in our field, a sports hero or physically fit model on the cover of a fashion magazine. “I’ll never be as good as so and so, so why bother trying.”
Often subconscious, these feelings of inferiority cause us to freeze up and do nothing or overcompensate by working ourselves into the ground. While comparing ourselves to others may be a natural knee-jerk reaction, it is not the least bit productive.
My clients know Comparison as one of the 20 recognized symptoms of “Monkey Mind” – that aspect of our mind that chatters at us as it swings from doubt to worry back to doubt again. Its main purpose is to retain the status quo as it hates change, even when a change would improve our overall sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. Like all the Monkey Mind symptoms, “Comparison” limits us; it keeps us from reaching our professional goals. Mark Twain stated that “comparison is the death of joy.”
What we sometimes forget is that we do not have to measure up to any other person in this world. We are neither inferior to nor superior to anyone else. God created each of us to be unique and original.
Here’s my quick tip: Notice when you feeling inferior. Look to see if you are comparing yourself to someone else and not measuring up. Then shift your thoughts to something much more productive– What do I need to do to be the best possible version of myself? Then do it! Do this not just for your own self, but for the benefit and contribution only you can make to others. Work hard to take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Commit to growing a little bit each day. Learn to celebrate the advancements you are making personally and professionally without comparing them to others.
Read Are You One of the 87%? and the other informative articles in this issue of Soar to Success magazine.
