Should You Compare Yourself to Others?
As children, we were taught to always be ourselves and not try to be anybody else. I think children today are taught that, too. As a general rule of thumb, it's good advice. After all, many have been quoted saying similar sentiments.
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ― Oscar Wilde
"Trying to be someone else is a waste of the person you are." ― Marilyn Monroe
“You were born an original, don't die a copy.” ― John Mason
But is there a time and place to compare ourselves to others? If so, when and where? Can that be healthy? I think it can, but it depends on what you are comparing.
We should compare little things if we want to improve:
marketing strategies
exercise technique
writing tactics
We should compare big things if we want to be miserable:
career path
marriage
net worth
Comparison is the thief of joy when applied broadly, but the teacher of skills when applied narrowly.
This is something I wish I would've learned when I was much younger, and it's still something I'm trying to remind myself of more today.
Comparing yourself to others in little areas can be a healthy thing. Comparing yourself to others in big areas can be mentally defeating. Be careful when you do this - it can either help you or hinder you!