Comparisonitis, a modern-day affliction that plagues many of us in the age of social media and constant connectivity, is a pervasive yet subtle threat to our mental and emotional well-being. The practice of comparing ourselves to others can cast a shadow of inadequacy, discontent, and self-doubt that threatens to erode our sense of self-worth and fulfillment.
As we scroll through carefully curated feeds and witness highlight reels of others’ lives, it’s easy to fall into the trap of measuring our success, appearance, and achievements against an unattainable standard.
Today, we delve into the detrimental effects of comparisonitis, exploring why this harmful habit breeds dissatisfaction, perpetuates negative self-perceptions, and hinders our journey towards self-acceptance and personal growth.
Read More About How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Do You Suffer from Comparisonitis?
Do you suffer from “comparisonitis”? It’s a difficult ailment to overcome. It’s easy to fall into the habit of making comparisons, especially comparing ourselves to others. We can find ourselves doing this related to family issues, finances, accomplishments, appearance; the list goes on and on.
We may compare how popular we are to others, and also wonder what others think of us, compared to others.
Why We Compare Ourselves to Others
Unfortunately, we just seem to have a natural tendency to measure our own circumstances against those around us.
And when we make comparisons, we often find ourselves lacking.
This creates negative thoughts which often show up in the form of negative self-talk – that beast that we all struggle to tame.
When we go down this road, we often tend to exaggerate the positive circumstances of others. This fuels the fire of comparisonitis.
For example, we may make comparisons between ourselves and a peer, or neighbor, or friend.
Since she’s extremely fit or seems to have an awesome marriage (to our uninformed eye), we assume that her whole life must be amazing.
Perhaps we observe another who seems to have all the material possessions a person could wish for.
We imagine that abundance extends to all aspects of her life, too.
Regardless of the specifics of the comparisons we make, rarely do we come out feeling better. And our comparisonitis can become truly devastating.
When Comparisons Can Be Good for Us
There is one situation where comparisons seem to have a good impact on us, however.
When we compare ourselves to others less fortunate, we tend to feel better about our own situation.
This feels kind of uncomfortable, doesn’t it?
It does seem right that we feel better when we make comparisons that require us to spend time reflecting on other’s hardships.
But here’s the saving grace. There is a good result of this practice (called “downward comparison” by scientists).
The more we make downward comparisons, the more inclined we become to offer a helping hand or volunteer to assist those less fortunate than us.
And the more compassionate we become. As an added bonus, we also become more cognizant and appreciative of our own blessings.
So next time comparisonitis strikes, let’s redirect our focus to those who truly need our attention.
Then let’s try harder to take an action, no matter how small, to help. We will feel better, and positive thoughts will replace negative ones.
If we are lucky and intentional in our follow through, the world will become a brighter place, one kind act at a time.
And we all deserve to live in a brighter, better world.
Thank you as always for reading.
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Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Joan’s career includes clinical healthcare plus 20+ years as an executive in a nationwide health care system and 15 years as a consultant. The common threads throughout Joan’s personal and professional life are a commitment to non-profit organizations, mental health, compassionate coaching, professional development and servant leadership. Joan has had the privilege of mentoring early and mid-career professionals as well as current and future executives and leaders. She is a member of the International Organization of Life Coaches, serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is also a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me. You can read more about Joan here: Joan Senio.
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