Let's be honest, it is super hard to not compare our lives to others.
On social media, someone else might have more followers or grow rapidly. They might have a viral post, dancing in the limelight while you feel left out. You might congratulate them but then immediately look at your profile, trying to justify your current metrics while feeling a little hollow inside.
In real life, someone always have more money, fame, status, and better physique, business, job, house, car, and attention of the opposite sex than you. The constant comparison never stops, no matter how much you earn or gain.
The tendency to become jealous has been a huge problem for me over the years. As a very competitive person, I always benchmarked and derived my sense of self to others. I have had difficulties enjoying others' successes since I always feared the inferiority to myself.
Worst of all, I know intellectually that comparison is futile. After all, our lives are completely unique and we can only compare to ourselves. Ironically, even if I wrote about it here, the constant comparison is deeply wired in us.
However, after a long social media binge earlier this month, I have had enough. I realized that this could not go on forever and took action. Today, it feels so much better, although I still have to check myself.
This is what I currently do to prevent jealousy:
Limit social media usage dramatically
Spending only 3 minutes a day on social media platforms has benefited me immensely. Not only from a distraction-perspective but also from comparing. When you have such a strict time-limit, you will only look at what inspires you and stop scrolling. Rabbit holes are not an issue.
Be inspired and "steal" what works
Picasso once said: "Good artists copy, great artists steal". In the same way, I no longer see others wins as threats but as inspiration. It gives feedback on what works and some clues to move forward.
Constantly remind that their wins are my wins and thus elevate them
Compared to games, the world is abundant. There is no zero-sum but room for everyone if good quality and consistency.
But if you strive to help them with all of your might, you will be elevated too. People will appreciate your good-will and return the favor. After all, this is what business is about.
Be totally present
Ultimately, comparisons are tricks of the mind. By paying full attention to what is happening around you, you will see the richness of your life.
As I am writing this words, I look at a beautiful sunny morning outside the window. Birds are singing, instrumental music is playing the background, and I feel the magic of flow. These little but immediate things are enough right now.
So look at all the beautiful surroundings around you and realize how much you already have. Then you have the best method to counteract jealousy and elevating people instead.