I’ve gotten to the point in my life where I know that I don’t need to compare myself to others and one of the things I would tell my younger self is, “relax, everything is going to be Ok”.
Comparison is what we do when we think our lives are less than desirable. However, it’s not the best way to lead through life. So, instead of comparing, try these strategies.
Review Rather Than Compare:
I check what my counterparts have done or are currently doing. In life, you make decisions based on what’s in your purview. For example, If a couple of your former classmates are applying to a certain university abroad or taking a particular certification, it might be wise to look at those opportunities as well and determine whether or not they are for you. It’s about maintaining a competitive spirit even though you work at your own pace in life. There is no race or price. Doing this also helps you understand what your real capabilities are.
See how far You’ve Come:
Your life is about your story and progress. It’s all about change, transformation, and your dreams coming through. As a first-year student in 2006, my monthly allowance was 5,000 Naira. I couldn’t live the life many of my colleagues were living. And most times I was broke. Today, my life has taken a completely different turn and I’m grateful to God. So, the only comparison you have to do is with the person you were yesterday.
Stay Busy:
If you actually have goals and ambitions, you’d be too busy working on your life to start comparing yourself to others. In today’s world, knowledge is the new gold. The knowledge you seek to push your life forward is literally at your fingertips. Stay busy acquiring knowledge and putting what you’ve learned to practice. If you are proactive about achieving your goals, you’d be too busy with your life.
Celebrate with Others:
I’m happy when I come across news of people I know succeeding, especially people I went to school with. This is because most of us were children of either low-income or middle-class families. So, every time I come by a post about a colleague graduating from a university abroad, I think of it as a win for everybody. And a reminder that hard work can take you very far.
Last words:
It is Not Over. Your story ends after you die. My advice is, don’t give up. I honestly don’t know what your life has been; tough or otherwise. But logically, I know that comparing your life to others would only break your spirit further. Please don’t do it. Or actually, don’t do it too often.

Olutobi
I'm passionate about growth.
I like it for others and I love it for myself.
My vision for the future is that people and businesses have the tools they need to thrive; a sound mind and a healthy body.
My favourite quote is, "What you carry is what defines you."
Really inspiring. The best version of ourselves comes from critiquing same self and giving it more challenges. The medal afterall is ‘Better me’. Most people don’t even share their struggles only the sweet stories of success. So I don’t take it hard on myself. I take my goals and experience personally and that’s how I can be of help to others. In order news, you have inspired me to be doing regular exercise…lol But I keep at it because it helps me move my bowel regularly. How funny, and what a reward!
Hello Tope,
Thanks for your comment. I really agree that the medal is “Better me”
Even when I’m not comparing I’m still aware of what my peers are doing and use it as a yardstick to push myself. Otherwise, I will just be comfortable.
I’m glad this article resonated with you.
Please oh, keep coming back for content.
And Yay, yes to exercising.