https://www.universalman.org/comparison-is-the-thief-of-joy/
In this episode we break open the topic of comparison; when one’s puts so much energy into comparing self to things like others, celebrities etc. We want to begin with a quote by Teddy Roosevelt where he said,
“Comparison is the thief of joy!”
We believe that to be so very true.
What Roosevelt is saying is that joy comes when you are authentically you. That's why it's such an important thing. But when I'm looking to someone else, when I'm comparing myself constantly, I don't go within, I don't go to my best self. There is a quotation from Desiderata. It says,
“As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to others. Even the dull and ignorant, they, too, have their story”.
Desiderata goes on to say that if you compare yourself with others, you will become vain and bitter.
As human beings for some reason we appear to be hardwired to compare ourselves to others. And we do it all the time, day and night, on money, possessions, cars, fashion, shape of our body, popularity etc.
For some people it's almost constant. And the thing about it is that it means you're not walking to the beat of your own drum. It can be really negative when it's not linked to a goal. Comparison when one element of life that leads to you bettering yourself can be good. So, for example, in a competitive sport environment, know your competition and compare yourself, so you know how to bridge the gap. But comparison is bad when you don't have a goal in mind and you're not aligned to your own congruent self.
