Why Should You Stop Comparison?

You are either greater or lesser only in comparison.

I still vividly remember as a child how I would compare myself with others and in that comparision I would always feel inferior. Because wasn't exceptional in studies, sports or particularly cute and charming. This early experience developed inferiority complex that I haven't fully overcome, although I am proud of what I have become and where I am heading in life. Comparison seems fair and reasonable. In childhood we were taught to compete with others and do better than them. Competition is essentially another form of comparison. To compete is to compare and do better, always. We were led to beleive that the only way to progress is by comparison and competing against those around us. However, the problem is that competition is endless. There is always someone better than you. Even when you reach the top, you continue to compare to maintain your position. There perpetual pressure to perform better and better to stay and remain on stop never ceases. Isn't it?

Every person is born into different circumstances and was gifted with different skills. It's unjust to compare two individuals and determine who is superior. Everyone has their own path, their own goals and their own definition of success. 

Comparison is unfair and unreasonable, and breeds unnecessary jealousy, greed, anger and enmity toward others. When you look at a person who is richer, smarter or successful than you, you may feel pressured to become like them. Once you achieve that, you inevitably find someone else to compare yourself to. There are so many people in this world, your lifetime isn't enough to compare yourself to everyone. This process leaves you perpetually dissatisfied and never content because there will always be someone better than you.

It may occur to your mind that how are you going to progress if you don't know where you stand, unless you compare with others. Well, does development happen only when there is competiton? What if you simply enjoy what you do and strive to do better than yesterday? Isn't that progress? You may be better or worse than others in comparison, but that is irrelevant because you are improving day by day, striving to become the best version of yourself. 

There is a great relief is not comparing oneself with others. While winning a competition brings temporary happiness, true satisfaction arises when you genuinely enjoy what you do without comparing yourself to others.