From time to time, we all make the mistake of playing the Comparison Game.  We may compare our homes, cars, or careers to those of our friends and neighbors.  We may compare our weight or our wardrobes.  There is no end to the ways that we can compare ourselves to others.  The problem is that comparing ourselves to others prevents us from loving the lives that we have.

The reality is that there will always be someone who is richer, more beautiful and better dressed than you.  The Comparison Game is one that you will never win.  If you spend your time comparing yourself to others you will end up being frustrated.  And you will fail to appreciate the many ways in which you are truly blessed in your own life.

Below are some ways to stop comparing your life to others.  Try these approaches and start loving the great life that you have.

Realize That Everyone’s Life Is A Mixed Bag

I have a friend who lives in a magnificent home.  Her house is enormous and stunning, and the grounds of her property are so serene.  If I were her, I would feel blessed to wake up every morning in such a beautiful place.

But my friend’s life is not perfect.  She has a son who has significant health issues, and his struggles consume a large part of her daily life.  Notwithstanding her beautiful home, her life is not easy by any stretch of the imagination.

Realize that no one’s life is perfect.  Just like you, everyone has a mixed bag of good and bad in life.  So, don’t feel badly about your life just because one aspect of it is worse than someone else’s.  Everyone has blessings and burdens in life.  Their blessings and burdens simply are different from yours.

Realize That We All Have Good and Bad Periods in Life

Not only are our lives a mixed bag of good and bad, but every life has positive periods, and periods of struggle.  So, don’t be envious someone’s good fortune today.  Realize that person likely has had their share of adversity in life.

For example, if you looked at my life today, you would think that I am pretty lucky.  And you would be right!  I live in a pretty house, with a kind and generous husband.  My daughter is a wonderful person and the apple of my eye.  My home life is peaceful and sweet, and I spend my days being incredibly thankful.

But my life wasn’t always this way.  10 years ago, I went through a very stressful divorce.  During that period, I had daily stomachaches, headaches, and my hair turned prematurely gray.  No one would have envied my life at that time!

But life ebbs and flows.  So, realize that there is no point in being jealous of others.  Everyone has ups and downs, good and bad.

Comparing Your Talents with Others Is Like Comparing Apples and Oranges

We all have been blessed with certain talents, and we should take pride in those talents.  But as wonderful as our talents are, there will always be someone whose talents are superior to ours.

Don’t be discouraged by that fact.  Realize that you don’t have to be the best at anything.  Why?  Because you are the best at one thing – being you.  That may sound corny, but it’s true.  There is no one with your special package of qualities and talents.  No one!  So, comparing your talents with those of others is like comparing apples and oranges.  What you have to offer the world is unique.

For example, if I spent my time comparing myself to every other writer in the world, I would never write a single word.  I would be too intimidated by the many exceptionally talented writers out there.  If I compared myself to others, and I might conclude, “What can I possibly say that would be helpful compared to Oprah or Jack Canfield?”

But I don’t worry about other writers.  I know that I have a unique perspective to offer.  And in my heart, I truly believe that I have something helpful to say to people.  So, I am happy to use the special mix of talents that God has given me as best as I can!

Comparing Yourself to Others Stops You from Achieving Your Life Purpose

The biggest problem with playing the Comparison Game is that it distracts us from achieving our life purpose.  God has put each of us on this earth for a very specific purpose.  He gave each of us special skills and talents to achieve that purpose.  If you are obsessed with having your best friend’s home or your neighbor’s career, then you won’t be working on what you are supposed to be working on – your life purpose.

So, you have to be like a horse racing with blinders on.  Don’t look to your left or your right.  Look straight ahead.  Use the talents that you’ve been given and achieve what you have been meant to achieve.

For example, Barack Obama was meant to be a politician.  He was blessed with the personality and skills for political life.  If he had spent his life trying to be a professional golfer, I doubt that he would have been very successful.  Similarly, Tiger Woods was meant to be a professional golfer.  He was given the incredible physical skills necessary to be the world’s top golfer.  If he had tried to be a jazz singer, I doubt that would have gone very well!  God created each of us to do something different with our lives.

Realize that when you compare yourself to others, it sets you down a wrong path.  You inevitably start trying to be someone who you weren’t meant to be.  And that is a tragedy because you have something very unique and important to offer the world.

So, stop playing the Comparison Game.  Comparing yourself to others is not a recipe for success.  Instead, love yourself.  Love your life with its good and bad.  If you do so, you will be on the path to true happiness and success.  (To read more about running your own race, click here.)

Email: meerabelle@meerabelledey.com

To receive a copy of my free e-book, “The Confidence Course,” and my weekly newsletter, go to meerabelledey.com.