Towards the end of 2016, I made a promise to myself to improve all aspects of my life and to actually commit to doing some self-work. I decided to purchase Myleik Teele’s “This Is My Year Journal” to streamline areas in my life that needed more attention and goals that I wanted to accomplish for 2017.
For my self-werque series, I’d like to share certain obstacles that I’ve overcame throughout the year and things that I’m currently working through.
“Comparison is the thief of joy.”- Theodore Roosevelt.
To be completely transparent, I tend to compare myself to others without knowing their current or previous situation, journey or the process of their successes. I’m noticing that comparing is very dangerous and debilitating. It’s easy to slip into depressive thoughts looking at other people’s social media accounts and noticing all of the blessings in their life, instead of being mindful enough to count your own.
Although I’m fortunate to be surrounded by amazing women and men: executives, professors, community leaders and artists who are progressive and steadily accomplishing their goals, I also have to remember my journey and that I’m achieving my goals and working towards my purpose, even if it’s not always published on social media.
How to stop comparing yourself to others and focus on you:
Don’t play yourself: Recognize your value and what you bring to the table. There are always people to compare yourself and your accomplishments to, so you’ll always be on the losing side of comparison. That’s because there will be someone who has done something you wish you could accomplish. However, it goes both ways. You’ll find that people admire your accomplishments as well.
Practice self-care: Be kind to yourself. Do something every day that unplugs you from social media. I usually read my favorite book, write, exercise or take a ballet class. Find a creative niche to keep away negative thoughts.
There’s only one you: Celebrate your uniqueness! There’s only one of you in the world and that’s special in itself.
Don’t like something, change it: Simple as that. Like Auntie O says, “Remember, you are co-creating your life with the energy of your own intentions.” Manifest the changes that you would like to see in your life and then act on it! You got this girllluh.
Learn to celebrate the accomplishments of others: Don’t be a hater, your time will come. Learn to be comfortable with genuinely celebrating accomplishments of your peers without dwelling on them. Instead of feeling envious, turn those feelings around and share in the excitement by encouraging them.
Be in competition with just yourself: You are your greatest investment. Continue to push the boundaries and compete with the person you were yesterday.