
The key to feeling better about ourselves isn’t about being like anyone other than who we are. Too often, we fall into the trap of social comparison. We allow how we look, who we know, and what we have to validate who we are. Or maybe we feel intimidated by someone we deem as better looking, more successful, and well-liked. We focus on their strengths while overlooking ours. No wonder we struggle to feel good enough. The truth is that self-worth is internal and validation is external. Instead of outsourcing our worth, we can look inward.
Shift Your Focus Inward
Too often, we don’t notice things about ourselves until someone else points them out. I wonder how much of that is because we spend so much time comparing ourselves to others. Maybe we notice other people’s strengths more easily because we’re focused on them instead of ourselves. But what if we shifted that focus inward? We start to recognize that we have strengths too. If we can see the best in someone else, why not also see the best in ourselves? A person who knows who they are is confident. A confident person recognizes their innate worth.
Become the Best Version of You
We often compare ourselves to others because we lack confidence in who we are. The comparison gives us a sense of security because we lack it internally. It feels good when we’re doing as great as our peers, but what happens when we fall behind? Our confidence begins to suffer. Comparison is the thief of joy. If we make it a habit, we might never be content with who we are. Instead of constantly measuring our worth against others, we can focus on becoming the best version of ourselves.
The Power of Being You
Have you ever thought about trading places with someone? Maybe it’s because you admire who they are or you want what they have. If you do, are you ready to accept everything that comes with it: the weaknesses and strengths, the mistakes and lessons, the successes and failures? You never know what a person has been through to become who they are today. While we can be inspired by someone, that doesn’t mean we need to be like them. The beauty in all of us is our uniqueness.
While it is great to see the light in others, we can also take time to see the light within ourselves. Focusing on who we are can help us to let go of social comparisons. There’s no need to be like anyone else, because who we are is enough.