As the new school year approaches, feelings of being overwhelmed can follow. Fears of not reaching goals set in place by you or parents or succeeding in general can be extraordinarily stressful to say the least. Additionally, it is very easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to others around you. This is an issue I struggled with immensely when I was younger, and I still fight every so often. As a result of this, I have spent a lot of time thinking about why we are inclined to do this. Obviously, it goes without saying that we all want to feel important, talented, smart, and loved, among other things. But, the reality is, we do not have to compete with our peers to improve upon or gain these attributes. Also, we should not base our opinions of ourselves on the amount of praise and positive recognition we receive from others. No one understands what we are capable of more than we do. Below I have included several of the many reasons why life should not be considered a competition.
- People face different obstacles at different times.
- People grow up and live in different settings, and are surrounded by different people, influences, and cultures.
- People have different hardships, advantages, and opportunities, as well as varying strengths and weaknesses.
- People learn and are exposed to different things.
Life experiences amongst individuals are never the same, so do not compare yours to that of others in attempt to justify whether you are on the right track, ahead, or behind. You’re doing just fine. Embrace what makes you and your story different from those of others and capitalize on it. Carve your own path and don’t live in the shadow of another. If you keep your head up, you will eventually succeed. Do things in your own manner and put your personal watermark on everything you accomplish. It is important to have sources of inspiration, but do not let the journeys of individuals you idolize blind you to your own destiny and capabilities. You have power within you unlike that of anyone else. Please carry these thoughts with you wherever this school year takes you and remember that you are perfect just the way you are.😊
“Have some fire. Be unstoppable. Be a force of nature.”—Cristina Yang (Shonda Rhimes, “Grey’s Anatomy”)