Inspiration Station: Comparison Is the Thief of Joy

Theodore Roosevelt is known to have said, "Comparison is the thief of joy." I love this quote because it is a daily reminder that comparing yourself to others will never make you feel better or happier. It is human nature to compare yourself to others and it is so easy to do so in terms of your job, grades, clothes, car, happiness, vacations, significant other, salary, the list could go on forever. But guess what? You can't compare yourself to others for two big reasons.

1. Comparisons are inaccurate because you never know the whole story. Someone could have a high-paid, respectable job but have horrible hours and never spend any time with their family. They could post amazing pictures of a vacation, but the trip was actually horrible and they lost their luggage and got mugged and ended up in the hospital for dysentery. Someone could seem really happy and put-together but inside they are dealing with mental illness or anxiety problems. Don't compare yourself because your comparison isn't accurate, the grass seems way greener on the other side.

2. It doesn't matter!!!! Even if you do want to compare, it's useless because life isn't about your salary during one time of your life, or about your grades in one class, or the awesome sports car you once bought. Life is a marathon and you need to focus on running yours well, and not about people running faster or slower than you. If your goal is to be a good physician, one exam in orgo isn't going to define you, neither is your MCAT score, or your class rank in medical school. All those things are important to some extent but what will get you through life and make you successful is how well you deal with adversity, because if you can continue to motivate yourself and keep running when times are tough, you will be the real winner. Keep your eye on your own goals and remember to focus on your journey, not anyone else's. There isn't one correct journey in life. (Example: in my med school class there are people from ages 20-45 who have had so many different experiences, jobs, education, etc and we are all going to be successful because we each have our own talents and skills). Everyone is on their own path so worry about yourself and being the best YOU and don't worry about anyone else. Comparison is the thief of joy. Focus on yourself: hard work and perseverance will enable you to succeed.

Thanks for reading!

Scarves and Sweets

PS Get this fabulous print at Pen and Paint's Etsy shop! I have the 8x10 version hanging in my kitchen as a daily reminder :)

PPS Get more inspiration here!