Comparison – The Thief of Our Joy

We are all made complete – with infinite capacity to achieve and to impact our world. After all, we have been ‘…fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps. 139:14)”

However, we often get distracted by others in pursuit of their own paths and goals. Sometimes we are inspired by them, other times becoming intimidated – giving up on our own dreams; or resentful – envious of what they have accomplished.

WRONG MOVE! While an appreciation of what others have accomplished can help to spur us on to recognize that we can also excel at what we do and what we were meant to accomplish, if not careful we can take the wrong lesson from such comparisons.

“Don’t read Beauty Magazines – they will only make you feel Ugly!” These are words from a famous recording. Does that reflect your response to someone else’s success?

If we are honest, we are very likely to admit that too much of our time is spent focusing on the wrong things and indeed the wrong persons. We have spent our time comparing ourselves with others:- our colleagues; our former schoolmates; our friends; etc. – based on what we perceive their circumstances and accomplishments to be like.

When we focus to much on others we limit our own progress and we are sometimes left feeling like failures and, at times, resentful, unappreciative, jealous, and ultimately ‘joy-less.’

Stop comparing yourself to others – except for the purpose of gaining confidence in your ability to achieve, and indeed surpass, that which you might have considered impossible. Focusing on the things you have control over – your choices, attitudes, and your efforts – frees up your mind to accomplish great things.

That might be one of the best ‘Life Resolutions’ you could make for 2022 and beyond.

#comparison #focus #goals