Comparing yourself to others is risky business. When we feel something is not going right or things are spiraling out of control in our own lives, we tend to think the grass is greener on the other side. We compare ourselves to others who look like they have it all together. But, more often than not, we are not comparing apples to apples.
We may wakeup with a huge zit and then see an airbrushed pic in an ad and think we have a horrible complexion. Or, when working hard to reach a goal we compare ourselves to someone who succeeded with a similar goal and think we are a loser. We forget that person struggled just like we die behind the scenes and we are only looking at the result of their perseverance. Again, apples to oranges, comparing the beginning phase of something to a finished product.
“The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel. – Steve Furtick
Here’s the worst part, we end up thinking we have to shift gears and deliver or do exactly what the other person did, exactly how they did it. Doing this not only takes away the one key ingredient to success – our uniqueness – which can send us into a tailspin making us lose clarity and focus.
“Someone else’s success does not equate your failure.” – unknown
Truth is, there is only one you, and you are a magnificent being who was created to simply be YOU. Only you can share your unique brilliance with the world. When we “forget” this we compromise ourselves robbing the world from our brilliance. It is important to note that most of us are conditioned to dim ourselves so others don’t feel uncomfortable. We feel if we shine our lights too bright, others may feel bad about themselves. How can I put this gently? Stop. Doing. This. You are meant to shine. We all are. You shining you light actually inspires others to shine theirs. Playing small does not serve anyone.
For all you entrepreneurs out there and everyone else for that matter, if you think there is not enough to go around, think again. There are 7.6 billion people on this plant. Considering everyone has the own unique gifts and particular way of delivering their message, we will naturally and organically attract the right people in our life just by being our magnificent selves. In other words, Beautiful YOU!
Embrace yourself for who you are. Don’t change yourself in order to suit the needs of someone else. Stop worrying if you are doing you right. Worry is a complete waste of your imagination and energy that keeps you stuck in the muck. Look at yourself in the mirror (I know, this can be scary, but do it anyway) and instead of seeing flaws, look at and embrace your uniqueness as a beautiful expression of the Devine. Take time each day, and periodically to acknowledge and shine light on the many wonderful things that you do (rather than squashing them down as no big thing). Celebrate them. Celebrate YOU!
If you do feel like comparing yourself to anything, compare yourself to a flower. There are so many varieties of flowers, all with different shapes, colors, and sizes, yet even within the same variety, no two are exactly the same. Everyone is beautiful in their own magnificent way (cue Everything is Beautiful by Ray Steven’s from the ‘70’s is now running through my head).
Each of us has a Devine purpose and we each bring wonderful gifts to share with the world. Trust that this resides in you. It does. It resides in each and everyone of us.
Next time you feel yourself comparing yourself to someone else, turn that spotlight around. What you see in that other person, also resides in you.
So my loves, shine your brilliance. Share your gifts. Be Beautiful YOU!
