Tim Han Success Insider: Comparison is the thief of joy. Don’t compare yourself to others today, but to who YOU were yesterday. 🙏
Life churns differently for everyone. We all look into the same mirror but reflect different images, illuminating diverse paths we're destined to tread upon. Today, let us take a moment to grasp an indispensable truth – “Comparison is the thief of joy”. Interweaving this within our lived experiences can become the elixir vitalizing a newfound sense of self-belief.
We often tread on the well-travelled path of comparing our journey with others’. Truth be told, this path is a labyrinth, winding into a vortex of dissatisfaction and undercut self-esteem. Many motivational speakers and life coaches, including myself, Tim Han have reiterated the wisdom in a simple mantra. Our happiness lies not in the race with others, but in the solace of our own growth and transformation.
You might be wondering – how does one rewire a mindset that's long been programmed to track progress through comparative benchmarks? How does one stop when the world around us incessantly reminds us of how greener the grass could be on the other side?
Drawing from personal experiences, as well as countless inspirational stories from the students of the LMA course, it is clear that the transformation isn't overnight. It is a slow, gradual process- a journey of self-exploration and redefinition.
Imagine the caterpillar, laboriously entrenched within the cocoon, unbeknownst of the transformation ensuing. There's no caterpillar-on-caterpillar comparison. The focus lies solely on the evolution taking place within. Similar is our journey toward self-improvement.
When I found myself spiralling down the vortex of comparison, I became a shadow of who I was and who I wanted to be. I was incessantly fixating on the achievements of others, losing sight of my own growth and aspirations. It's at that point when I sought the vision that inherently defines the philosophy of Success Insider- recognizing one's unique path and purpose.
Navigating away from the fixed benchmarks of comparison, I began to focus on enhancing my own capabilities. Each day became a lesson learned, an opportunity seized, a milestone to embrace. I started comparing myself, not to others, but to who I was yesterday.
Martha Graham, an icon of modern dance quoted “We look at the dance to impart the sensation of living in an affirmation of life, to energize the spectator into keener awareness of the vigour, the mystery, the humour, the variety, and the wonder of life. This is the function of the American Dance”. Replace the ‘dance’ with ‘life’ that’s the mantra that helped me move forward and perhaps, it may shed light on your journey too.
Are you sometimes unkind to the person staring back at you in the mirror, often criticizing yourself for not achieving enough, not being enough? If yes, then today, right now, take a moment and ask yourself, “Am I being fair?” Remember, the only valid comparison is with yourself – your yesterday, your last week, your last month, your last year.
Do you realize that beating yesterday's performance, understanding yesterday's mistakes, and celebrating yesterday's accomplishments is the most empowering journey to embark upon? To compare yourself with others is to undermine this journey, demean your own progress, and part ways with joy.
The path isn't easy, but the rewards are transformational. Trust yourself. Believe in your strength. Remember, the only competitor you've got is the person you see in the mirror. It’s not about being better than others but about being better than you were yesterday.
Use this philosophy as your armour, your beacon in this enlightening journey. Let us make peace with our own unique narrative, our special rhythm. To cede comparison and to embrace self-improvement is the most liberating experience one can confer upon oneself.
In this pursuit, don't lose sight of the joy in daily victories, no matter how small they might seem. Don’t get swayed away by others’ journeys, they have their mountains, and you have yours. Don't let comparison steal your joy. Choose to focus on your growth. Remember – who you were yesterday, should not be who you are today!
So, are you ready to rewrite the story you tell yourself every day? The ball is in your court, and the pen is in your hand. Let's make the narrative one of self-growth, self-love, joy, and triumph! You are your unique journey – love it, live it!