Notes On Comparison

Outside of middle school, I’ve never been able to fully relate to people who fall into the trap of comparison. However, in recent weeks I’ve been catching myself in the comparison trap quite often – it snuck up on me and here we are. The best way that I know to take power from something is to face it head on and talk (write) about it. If you’ve struggling comparison, you’re in the right place. This blog is me talking to me and I hope it helps you too!

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The other week I was driving home from the gym (you guessed it) and there was a home for sale that caught my attention. There was minimal traffic and so I took my eyes off the road to take a closer look. Within seconds I realized that I had drifted a few inches into the other lane. It wasn’t anything serious and if we’re being honest, it’s something that we can all relate to. When I think of comparison, I think of taking my eyes off of the road (my road) – diverting attention from the path I’m meant to be on to feel envious about the path someone else is on.

We’ve all been distracted on the road and on our path. The danger with comparison is that as we continue to drive on our proverbial road, the drift is subtle at first… until it’s not. Soon, we’ve drifted into another lane entirely or worse, we end up in a ditch – feeling stuck, confused and frustrated. The longer that your eyes are off the road, the more potential for dangerous outcomes – this is true for driving and for life.

“We’re all still rough drafts of who we’re becoming.”

Bob Goff

For me, getting out of the comparison trap means getting clear on where I’m going and why I’m going there. From there, I need to remember that we are all writing different chapters of different books and that comparing my behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel on social media is a recipe for disaster. The last piece of the puzzle is to have faith that life is happening for me (not to me) and that I’m right where I’m supposed to be.

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The last thought that I have on comparison is that it’s a waste of time. I know that isn’t a practical thought but for me, it’s true. If we are so worried about what other people are doing and thinking, we miss out on the incredible opportunity to become the person that only we can be. Don’t rob the world of your unique and authentic gifts.

“I am not who you think I am; I am not who I think I am; I am who I think you think I am.”

Charley Cooley

Be who you’re mean to be.

Joe Rinaldi

IG: @joearinaldi

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