Recently, I attended an inspirational, two day women’s retreat in Hartford, CT. Do you know what it’s like to be surrounded by seventeen heart-centered, business women taking part in the Wealthy Women Revolution? The energy in the room was amazing! At least it was until our facilitator enlightened us on an illness that took us all by surprise. And you know what? You probably suffer from it right now and don’t even realize it. What is this mysterious illness? Comparanoia – our tendency to compare ourselves obsessively with other people! Do you suffer from this? And, if so, what can you do about it?
We are bombarded daily with comparisons. We see it on social media and television, in magazines and even hear about it in the music we listen to. Pay attention to what you are reading, watching and listening to so you can begin to break this habit. Mark Twain said, “Comparison is the death of joy.” I don’t know about you but I’m not ready to bury my joy! When you find yourself in comparison mode, the best thing you can do is recognize you’re doing it, than firmly tell yourself “STOP IT!” The next step is to focus on all the goodness in your life. Bombard your thoughts with everything that you are grateful for. When you replace the habit of comparing yourself and feeling inferior to others with reminders of all that is good in your life, you will experience much more joy and contentment. We all have special gifts and talents that we bring to this world. “Unknown” put it wisely with this: “Why compare yourself to others? No one in the entire world can do a better job of being you then you.”
