It’s easy to get caught up in the comparison game. Especially if you are finally tapping into your purpose or taking the necessary steps to achieve your life goals. Bob Huff once stated that we won’t be distracted by comparison if we are captivated by purpose. I couldn’t agree more! Before I was brave enough to actually publish my first novel I constantly compared myself to other authors. And not just any author. I mean best-selling authors who had essentially dedicated years to perfecting their craft. Why I put so much pressure on myself I will never know, but I did. The effects of me doing this was very detrimental. What I thought would have been a valuable source of motivation and growth, turned me into a doubtful dreamer. Comparing yourself to others should never be how you evaluate your gifts. What I now realize is that there is always going to be someone who possesses a similar skillset as you…but their execution will be nothing like yours…because this is was what makes us all unique. Instead of comparing myself to others, I can simply learn from those that have gone before me and thrive in my ambitions!

In doing this, my outlook on how I view myself and my talents have changed. There is an infinite number of qualities of which we can compare ours to. Once we begin walking down this road, we will never find an end. It’s important that we become fully aware of who we are and our own success. One must remember that everyone had to start somewhere. Where you end up is based on your actions, not the distraction of comparison. When you find yourself comparing yourself to others understand that no one compares and keep moving forward. In the pursuit of purpose you have to KNOW that you and what you bring to the table is incomparable! Read on to find out what inspiring words moved me away from comparison to finally capitalizing on ME!

1. The only person you should try to be better than is who you were yesterday. – Unknown

COMPETE ONLY WITH YOURSELF…PERIOD!

2. Successful people never worry about what others are doing. – Unknown

WHY ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT OTHERS?

3. Comparing yourself to others is an act of violence against your authentic self. – Iyanla Vanzant

STAY TRUE TO YOU!

Comparison is the thief of all joy. The time we spend measuring our lives against others is time we should spend being grateful for our personal and professional successes in life.

By Dr. Avis Foley

Co-Publisher, Purpose Weekly