How to Deal With Envy
“Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today” — Jordan Petersen
Upon deep reflection about our inner struggles, facing up to our own envy can be bitterly uncomfortable. In this digital age, we are overwhelmed with images of our peers enjoying the fruits and privileges of a life that we have long sought after. Wealth, status, accolades and beauty seem to be in abundance on social media, all to remind us of what we don’t have.
The bane of zero-sum thinking will have us believing that another person’s success will diminish our own, that someone else’s superior status exposes our lower value. This flawed way of thinking will prevent us from pursuing any higher calling that we have. We will begin doubting ourselves and our sense of self-worth.
You are a unique blend of thoughts, genetics and experiences. Your path is unique. Your journey is unique. Comparing yourself to others is to fixate on where their roads are taking them and overlook your own destiny unfolding before you. Competition has its place in the world, but it should not be elevated to the higher realms of your being. Life is ultimately a creative enterprise, not a competitive one. No one else can create the composition of life that you can.
The arising feeling of envy actually has nothing to do with others; it is an indication that you have yet to rise up to your own higher calling. When we see others reaping the rewards of their pursuits, we are painfully reminded that we have not yet dared to follow what is truly in our hearts. Instead, we’ve been playing it safe and begrudgingly looking upon those who have boldly taken risks.
When you turn inward and bring your attention to your own power, the tendency to compare yourself to others will dissolve because you are no longer concerned with what life has chosen to present to them. You have your own hero’s journey, your own unique burning sword, and a very unique dragon to slay that stands between you and a treasure with your name emblazoned on it.
Rise and step up to the challenge. Be a fully manifested version of your true self rather than a sub-par imitation of someone you once imagined to be better. Lean in and embrace who you are. The only competition you have is yourself.
