How not to compare oneself to others and be true to oneself?

Let’s start by understanding when comparing oneself to others is detrimental and when it is beneficial. If comparisons with others motivate you to improve, achieve success, give up bad habits, and take actions that contribute to your well-being, then it’s a good thing. However, if comparisons with others evoke feelings of envy, inadequacy, insecurity, and other negative emotions, then it’s harmful. Let’s discuss the latter in more detail.

First and foremost, remember that your best friend is yourself. How you treat yourself is how you will feel. When you begin to regard yourself with respect and love, it won’t matter how attractive or successful the people around you are, it won’t bother you. You are beautiful and successful too, in your own endeavors, in your personal world.

Secondly, take care of yourself. Mentally commend yourself for your achievements, regardless of their level. Give yourself gifts. Treat yourself to relaxation.

Thirdly, choose a path of self-improvement for yourself. Focus on your accomplishments, celebrate your successes, and even reward yourself. Do it primarily for yourself, not for validation from others because others won’t enjoy your achievements as much as you can. Often, they don’t even need to. Self-improvement, personal growth, and achieving positive results will help you be happier and reduce the desire to compare yourself to others. You’ll start comparing yourself to your past self and find joy in your achievements.

Next, there is an important aspect to consider. It’s essential to exercise self-control, refrain from boasting in front of less successful individuals, and avoid passing judgment on others. There may come a point when, for the sake of greater self-affirmation, there is an unconscious desire to compare oneself to failures. This is a futile use of time and is unethical.

Additionally, it wouldn’t hurt to isolate yourself from social media and minimize exposure to the news. Less exposure to provocations that lead to envy, following others, and comparing yourself to them. This will be especially beneficial at the beginning of the challenging journey to rid yourself of negative feelings resulting from comparisons with others.