From the time we are small, we learn to compare ourselves to others. At a young age, it is our way of making sense of things, and of figuring out our place in the world. This can be fine if you have a strong sense of self, and self-esteem. However, if in comparing yourself to others, you decide that you are not as good as others, not as capable of others, are not as likely to succeed, it can be very detrimental. As we get older, and a stronger sense of self, learning that comparing ourselves to others is no longer necessary, or healthy, can be a very powerful and liberating concept. When you decide that the only person you have to please is yourself, and that you decide what your definition or good and successful are. This can be empowering, therapeutic, and motivating. If the only person you are competing with is yourself, you can set realistic, attainable, and rewarding goals. You can have many small victories along the way, and allow yourself to celebrate them. Here are some wonderful words on the idea of comparing ourselves to others, good and bad.
Have more than you show, and speak less than you know. - William Shakespeare
The only person you should try to be better than is who you were yesterday. - unknown
Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself. - Coco Chanel
A flower does not think of competing to the flower next to it, it just blooms. - Zen Shin
"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Personality begins where comparison leaves off. Be unique. Be memorable. Be confident. Be proud."
- Shannon L. Alder
"You wouldn't worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do." Eleanor Roosevelt
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." Eleanor Roosevelt
"Don't waste your energy trying to change opinions ... do your thing, and don't care if they like it." Tina Fey
The act of comparison is an act of violence against the self. Be your own cheerleader. Stop comparing yourself with others and focus on how you can become the best version of you. A fitness community can help you to realize the futility of comparison. Instead, embrace your personal victories and combat your challenges head-on. Don't compare your chapter one to somebody else's chapter 50. Here's a collection of the best motivational quotes that will help you to stop comparing yourself with others.
I DON'T IDOLIZE ANYONE BUT THE PERSON I HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BE
Be a role model for yourself.
HAPPINESS IN THE PRESENT IS ONLY SHATTERED BY COMPARISON WITH THE PAST
Let it go. You can't move forward if you keep looking back.
WHAT LIES BEHIND YOU AND WHAT LIES IN FRONT OF YOU PALES IN COMPARISON TO WHAT LIES INSIDE YOU
Focus on the present. Focus on you.
DON'T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS. YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THEIR JOURNEY IS ALL ABOUT.
Focus on your journey, not the destination
DON'T CONCERN YOURSELF WITH WHAT EVERYBODY ELSE IS DOING
Everything in life is easier when you don't concern yourself with what everybody else is doing
Keep doing you
DON'T COMPARE YOUR BEGINNINGS TO SOMEONE ELSE'S MIDDLE
You're at the start of something great. Don't let another person's progress discourage you.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO WHAT EVERYONE ELSE IS DOING
Sometimes I have to remind myself that I don't have to do what everyone else is doing
Do what works for you. You don't have to be Michael Jordan, you just have to do what you're comfortable with.
EVERY MINUTE YOU SPEND WISHING YOU HAD SOMEONE ELSE'S LIFE IS A MINUTE SPENT WASTING YOURS
Don't waste your life. Own it. Make the most of it. Live your life to it's fullest potential.
BEING A SUCCESSFUL PERSON IS NOT NECESSARILY DEFINED BY WHAT YOU HAVE ACHIEVED, BUT BY WHAT YOU HAVE OVERCOME
Think about how far you've come
ENVY IS A GIANT, FLASHING ARROW POINTING US TOWARD OUR DESTINY
We're only envious of those already doing what we were made to do
Channel your envy into purpose
OWNING OUR STORY AND LOVING OURSELVES THROUGH THAT PROCESS IS THE BRAVEST THING WE'LL EVER DO
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.