Faulty Comparison

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” -Teddy Roosevelt

“You have to run your own race. Problems begin the moment you start comparing your results to someone who is playing under different conditions. 

• The 40-year-old entrepreneur with three kids has different constraints than the single 27-year-old. 
• A painter with 20 years of practice shouldn’t be the benchmark for someone in year two.
• Someone caring for aging parents is not in the same position as someone with no obligations outside work.

Play your own game. Emphasize gradual progress and keep the comparison internal. Are you getting a little better today?” -James Clear

“The big question about how people behave is whether they’ve got an Inner Scorecard or an Outer Scorecard. It helps if you can be satisfied with an Inner Scorecard.” -Shane Parrish

comparison (n.) mid-14c., “equal, match, resemblance, similarity,”

If you must compare yourself to others, then just make sure:

(a) You compare yourself to the right person(s). Someone who’s doing what you want AND has similar constraints.

(b) The comparison uplifts and inspires you. Not makes you feel bad about yourself.

This will take some work on your part to find the right people and learn their real story. Not the magazine, puff-piece story.

But it’s worth it.

Otherwise, you’ll spend your entire life making faulty comparisons. Never giving yourself the chance to find joy from your work.