In this BIT: Feeling behind in life? Or perhaps, feeling stuck? Here’s our top life advice on how to stop comparing to others, and feel happy where you are, right now.
Do you ever feel behind? Open your Instagram, have a conversation with others, or scroll through TikTok. People are sharing milestones you haven’t even considered, or accomplishing ideas that you could only dream of attempting. No matter who you are, or your age, we all play into this comparison game. But as Theodore Roosevelt said, “comparison is the thief of joy”. When we focus too much on where other people are at, we distract ourselves from the more important matter: focusing on improving ourselves and appreciating our own efforts and accomplishments. We all have different starting points and opportunities. There’s more to life than checking checkboxes. Below is life advice on how to stop comparing to others and feel a sense of happiness and satisfaction within your season of life.
If we follow a linear path in the footsteps of someone else; a mentor, parent, or idol, we’re doing ourselves a disservice. By following your interests, you’ll be more inclined to pull on strings, go beyond the expected results, and think bigger about the future of your area of inclination. Just because someone achieved a result by following a certain path, doesn’t mean that you’ll achieve the same result, if you follow the same path. Rather, scrap the ‘following footsteps’ notion, and carve your own unique path. On your own journey, realize that your timeline and milestones look different to someone else’s, so avoid feeling stuck and comparing yourself to others – you are different people, with different destinations.
Frustration is normal. Comparison is normal. We all do it! Rather than feeling upset that you compare your timeline to someone else; accept the normality of this situation. Use the feelings of being behind, or not having done enough, as fuel to explore and learn more about yourself – at your own pace. Rather than staying in a spiral, upset that you compare yourself to others; accept this aspect of your nature, and use it for your own benefit. One of our greatest tips of life advice is to accept your human nature.
We look towards peers, celebrities, influencers, and others within our lives, and admire all that they’ve accomplished. But, what we don’t notice (or often, admire) is all the hard work, rejection, and practice that goes into an accomplishment of any degree. If you are feeling stuck, trust that you will reach your goals, so long as you don’t get sidelined. Also, know the value and importance of putting in the necessary hard work. Most people that we admire work tremendously hard; even if they only share the final product.
Everyone is on their own timeline, and we must not compare ourselves to anyone but ourselves! If you’re really feeling down or behind, think of what your younger self – perhaps 10 years ago – would think of you today. Odds are, you would be pretty proud of yourself for getting through challenges, working hard, and being in the place you are right now.
We hope that these tips help you quit the game of comparison, and feel less behind in life, bringing you a Small Bit of Happiness.
For more happiness check out our Mood Boost page.
Featuring quick videos created for teens by teens.