10 Ways To Stop Comparing Your Life To Someone Else’s.

Posted: February 4th, 2009 | 6 Comments »

The only way to even begin to live a purposeful, simple life is to give up any notion that you are in competition with any other single person. Life is not a game, it’s not a test, it’s not a winner takes all experience. It’s just life – and what happens during your time here is up to you. If you spend your time comparing your belongings, lifestyle, job, family, etc. to anyone else, well…you are being set up for a very complicated existence. How can you learn to experience your life if you are so busy trying to either get outside approval or be like everyone else? Simple living involves being secure with your choices and your direction in life, without fearing the judgment and influence of others. It’s tough to do, and believe me I struggle with it as well. But I am doing my best to keep what the “other” people are doing in check and instead focusing on my own life and surroundings. A few things I try to keep in mind that might be of help to those of you looking to live your own simple life with your own purpose, instead of that lead by an outsider, include:

1. You can only be in competition with yourself; no one else.
2. People think way less about you than you think they do. (I fight this one often)
3. “Stuff” cannot replace real emotions, feelings or experiences.
4. You only belittle your own self by trying to keep up with someone else.
5. You probably have more than that person you are comparing yourself to.
6. No one is perfect. No one. Even if you think someone is, they aren’t. Trust me.
7. Focus on what you have and not what you don’t have.
8. The world would be a pretty boring place if everyone was the same.
9. Everyone has a path. Follow the one that is yours and ignore those of others.
10. If you cannot stop the comparisons, stay away from big triggers like TV and celebrity magazines. Over time, you won’t even remember who is popular or cool!

By trying to keep some of these 10 things in mind while focusing on the good in your life, you can start living your own real life in your own real way. But by continuing to compare yourself to anyone else, you are limiting what kind of life you can lead – nevermind the fact that you may miss your life altogether. And that is NOT living simply! Do you have anything to add to the list? If so, let us all know in the comments.

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6 Comments on “10 Ways To Stop Comparing Your Life To Someone Else’s.”

1 SavvyChristine said at 11:37 am on February 4th, 2009:
It’s interesting that you, No Impact Man and I all posted on this topic on the same day with very different posts.

I’d add Take care of your physical and mental health to the list. Everything feels better and more manageable when you feel good about yourself.
2 David said at 12:34 pm on February 4th, 2009:
Now that is quite a coincidence! There must be something in the air today
3 Laura said at 1:33 pm on February 4th, 2009:
I have this quote written on the message board in my kitchen:

You will never be happy with what you have until you are at peace with who you are.

Just a reminder to myself that the important things are almost always not “things”.
4 David said at 2:17 pm on February 4th, 2009:
That is an amazing quote Laura, thanks for sharing it!
5 Miranda said at 11:21 am on February 5th, 2009:
Stopping by to see the new digs. Very nice! I like this post. It’s very important to be content with what you have, and not always compare yourself to others. You should be striving for your own better version of YOU, not trying to “beat” some version of someone else.
6 David said at 11:42 am on February 5th, 2009:
That’s exactly it – “better version of you”. Well said!