From the time we are small, we learn to compare ourselves to others. At a young age, it is our way of making sense of things, and of figuring out our place in the world. This can be fine if you have a strong sense of self, and self-esteem. However, if in comparing yourself to others, you decide that you are not as good as others, not as capable of others, are not as likely to succeed, it can be very detrimental. As we get older, and a stronger sense of self, learning that comparing ourselves to others is no longer necessary, or healthy, can be a very powerful and liberating concept. When you decide that the only person you have to please is yourself, and that you decide what your definition or good and successful are. This can be empowering, therapeutic, and motivating. If the only person you are competing with is yourself, you can set realistic, attainable, and rewarding goals. You can have many small victories along the way, and allow yourself to celebrate them. Here are some wonderful words on the idea of comparing ourselves to others, good and bad.
Have more than you show, and speak less than you know. - William Shakespeare
The only person you should try to be better than is who you were yesterday. - unknown
Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself. - Coco Chanel
A flower does not think of competing to the flower next to it, it just blooms. - Zen Shin
"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Personality begins where comparison leaves off. Be unique. Be memorable. Be confident. Be proud."
- Shannon L. Alder
"You wouldn't worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do." Eleanor Roosevelt
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." Eleanor Roosevelt
"Don't waste your energy trying to change opinions ... do your thing, and don't care if they like it." Tina Fey
The act of comparison is an act of violence against the self. Be your own cheerleader. Stop comparing yourself with others and focus on how you can become the best version of you. A fitness community can help you to realize the futility of comparison. Instead, embrace your personal victories and combat your challenges head-on. Don't compare your chapter one to somebody else's chapter 50. Here's a collection of the best motivational quotes that will help you to stop comparing yourself with others.
I DON'T IDOLIZE ANYONE BUT THE PERSON I HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BE
Be a role model for yourself.
HAPPINESS IN THE PRESENT IS ONLY SHATTERED BY COMPARISON WITH THE PAST
Let it go. You can't move forward if you keep looking back.
WHAT LIES BEHIND YOU AND WHAT LIES IN FRONT OF YOU PALES IN COMPARISON TO WHAT LIES INSIDE YOU
Focus on the present. Focus on you.
DON'T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS. YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THEIR JOURNEY IS ALL ABOUT.
Focus on your journey, not the destination
DON'T CONCERN YOURSELF WITH WHAT EVERYBODY ELSE IS DOING
Everything in life is easier when you don't concern yourself with what everybody else is doing
Keep doing you
DON'T COMPARE YOUR BEGINNINGS TO SOMEONE ELSE'S MIDDLE
You're at the start of something great. Don't let another person's progress discourage you.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO WHAT EVERYONE ELSE IS DOING
Sometimes I have to remind myself that I don't have to do what everyone else is doing
Do what works for you. You don't have to be Michael Jordan, you just have to do what you're comfortable with.
EVERY MINUTE YOU SPEND WISHING YOU HAD SOMEONE ELSE'S LIFE IS A MINUTE SPENT WASTING YOURS
Don't waste your life. Own it. Make the most of it. Live your life to it's fullest potential.
BEING A SUCCESSFUL PERSON IS NOT NECESSARILY DEFINED BY WHAT YOU HAVE ACHIEVED, BUT BY WHAT YOU HAVE OVERCOME
Think about how far you've come
ENVY IS A GIANT, FLASHING ARROW POINTING US TOWARD OUR DESTINY
We're only envious of those already doing what we were made to do
Channel your envy into purpose
OWNING OUR STORY AND LOVING OURSELVES THROUGH THAT PROCESS IS THE BRAVEST THING WE'LL EVER DO