The Big Takeaway: Consider some unique ways to combat the adverse effects of the comparison game.
The Details When it comes to building wealth, nothing can stop us in our tracks faster than playing the comparison game with those around us. From houses to cars to the latest technology, there will always be those who have more (or buy more) than we do. The comparison game can not only prevent us from reaching our financial goals, but it can also rob us of joy in our daily lives. In this article, the author also suggests that the comparison game leads to spending mental and emotional resources, which can also pull us away from more important life goals such as spending time with family or learning a new skill. Below are a few unusual approaches to helping the comparison game subside:
Assess (and ignore) non-essential comparisons. “Aside from social media, there are countless other ways to compare ourselves with others,” the author states. Think about how you compare yourself to others daily, perhaps even in one key area of life (e.g., in a hobby or at work). Is the joy you experience quashed when you think about yourself and your performance relative to others in that arena? By identifying who you compare yourself to, you can begin to ignore the comparison purposefully.
Watch for praise overload. One way we’re conditioned to compare ourselves is by receiving compliments from others. A quick reminder after receiving a pat on the back along the lines of “there are others who might deserve that praise, too” might prevent feeling the high “highs” of compliments and may stave off the low lows of not getting positive feedback for achievements, too.
Learn to “be in your zone.” Find a time where you are fully immersed and focused only on yourself and your task or activity rather than comparing yourself to others. Focused time alone on an engaging activity can be an enjoyable process where you are, as the author states, “exhibiting excellence in the moment.”
