In today’s day and age, it is easy to find ourselves measuring the ups and downs of our lives to other people’s Instagram highlight reel. For me, at 26 years old, I find myself getting stuck in the cycle of comparing myself to others. I often feel like I am falling behind. While so many of my friends are established in their careers, getting married, traveling and/or starting families, there are many days where I even feel like I've failed. Whenever I feel pressured by social media standards I have to remember that I am not seeing their failures or hardships; I am only seeing the parts that they choose to show me.
Here are some points to keep in mind if you feel like you are falling behind:
1. Stop comparing
We’ve all heard the saying that comparison is the thief of joy, and it’s absolutely,100% true. If we constantly compare our lives to someone else’s we will never be happy. Everyone is different and not everyone’s picture of happiness or success will look the same.
2. Your role models did it on their own timeline.
On my journey of growth, I try to model myself after certain people that I look up to or consider influential. Some of these people include Tiffany Haddish, Oprah, and Jay Shetty. All of these people reached their peak at different, 'unconventional' points in their lives. They went through their fair share of struggles from being homeless, breaking down barriers or battling depression, to not only achieving success, but also helping inspire others to do the same. The key was that they did not give up because they didn’t achieve their goals on society’s timeline, but they kept persevering. Personally, when I’m feeling lost or uninspired, I listen to interviews/Podcasts from the people that I consider “successful” to remind myself that everyone is on their own journey.
3. Trust the timing of your life
Each one of us was made uniquely with a certain set of skills and gifts. We were not meant to walk on the same path and achieve all things at the same time. Practice positive affirmations, remind yourself however many times it may take that you were made uniquely. No two people are the same, so it shouldn’t be expected that their life paths will look the same.
As a mental health advocate, I have learned that a person’s mindset can be their biggest asset or weakness. When you learn to cultivate a positive mindset and start to believe that you can achieve your goals, you open yourself up to that possibility. In order to succeed, you need to prepare your mind for it.
4. Enjoy the Now
It’s easy to be overwhelmed when you think of everything all at once. When you are able to take life day by day, you can accomplish your goals one step at a time. When you start seeing yourself achieve smaller goals, it will also prepare you mentally to achieve the bigger goals. It all starts with baby steps.
Remind yourself that all of the little things that you do on a daily basis will eventually add up to your success. In order to reap the rewards of success, you have to put in the work. However, it is important to keep in mind that you cannot control everything.
Here are some videos that I personally like to watch to keep me motivated:
Stay inspired!
With Love,