The Comparison Trap

Life sometimes moves at a fast pace that we don't envision, and when we look at some of the things happening around us, especially in terms of comparing ourselves to people around us, it makes us feel as though we're not doing enough, but is that really the case? I, for one, don't think so, especially if you're a hardworking individual. But then we understand that society has set high standards and expectations of what's deemed to be a result of being hardworking and responsible. In my opinion, I for one think it's okay to feel like you've done enough or look up to something you've not achieved and want to achieve it, but then that'll be understandable if such is done with a positive mindset.

This constant chase and pursuit can go on to make it seem as though our efforts are not sufficient enough, to the point of making us question if we're just running in circles. I'm saying this not because I'm necessarily moved by the progress of others or so, but then recently I met a friend of mine, and when I looked at all he has achieved, I couldn't help but unintentionally feel bad about where I'm currently.

But then that thought quickly changed, as I was able to feed my mind with the right words and acknowledgment that I'm not a lazy person myself; I, for one, know I'm hardworking and committed to making my life a wonderful one, but then when I saw this friend of mine, I guess it's not because I'm actually jealous of what he has achieved, but how he was able to attain them despite his predicament.

So what happened actually was that this friend of mine lost his job a couple of years ago, and after that he hasn't actually gotten another job, but despite the fact that it was betting he resorted to since another job wasn't forthcoming, yet the betting was making him not miss his job one bit. because he was constantly winning and using those funds to shape his life in the right direction, such as buying land, building a house, buying cars, and the like, and the first time I saw all those, even though I felt happy for him, I can't lie that it makes me feel like I'm not doing enough.

Probably because I left, betting doesn't seem like a good thing, and I was working tirelessly in a noble job; I couldn't acquire all those things without breaking a sweat like he did. He's someone I knew and trusted to not delve into dubious means to make ends meet aside from the betting. Overall, seeing all that he achieved almost made me want to talk to him to please reintroduce me to betting, because I had stopped at a time, but in the end my mind was put at rest by the realization that I'm not lazy.

Overall, it's better to be content with where we are and what we've achieved while we work towards more. We all know that growth is important, and we should work towards it. But while we do that, we shouldn't ridicule our efforts just because other people around us are doing better; their success can be taken as an inspiration to us, but it shouldn't make us feel less. Our journeys are different, and if we keep doing what we're doing and putting in more effort, we'll realize we're doing enough.

All photos are mine.