Human beings are social creatures. We depend on social interaction for friendship, support, and acceptance. These are healthy elements of a positive social life that we all need in order to grow and succeed. It is all too often we find ourselves reaching outward for validation so that we can feel worthy. We need to break-away from this habit and begin searching within for validation.
“…it is too easy to feel like we are not doing enough in comparison to our online counterparts.”
In his bestselling book 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos, Dr. Jordan B. Peterson reminds the reader to “compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today.” In the age of social media and what I would define as “digital interconnectedness,” it is too easy to feel like we are not doing enough in comparison to our online counterparts. Dr. Peterson offers a refreshing perspective about how we look at others and ourselves.
It isn’t difficult to feel inadequate by taking a peek at someone’s LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter profile. What we need to remember is that another person’s journey is not our own. Their journey is not without its own challenges and trials. Social media provide the opportunity for individuals to create their own “highlight reels.” Behind that Tweet or Instagram post could be a fair amount of failure, hard work, struggle, and sacrifice.
“In short, remember that you are in competition with no one except your past self.”
In short, remember that you are in competition with no one except your past self. Do not concern yourself with where others are today but rather where you are now in relation to where you came from. Everyone of us has a different journey and timeline. It does not matter if your neighbor drives a Mercedes-Benz and you drive a Toyota. What matters is that you have a car today when you might’ve yesterday. That in itself is an accomplishment and allows you to show gratitude and self-appreciation.
Going through life can be described as similar to floating down a river. We need to remember to take solace in where we are along the way, and take pride in how far we have come while continuing to look forward. Don’t feel insecure if someone else is further downstream, just be grateful that you have gotten to where you are now and remind yourself to keep striving towards the next part of the journey. Try to avoid comparing your progress to someone else’s and start searching within for validation!