What You Should Compare To

Comparison. It’s an all too common trap we all fall into throughout our lives. From the time we’re young children, we inevitably compare ourselves—our looks, smarts, talents, belongings, circumstances, etc.—to others.

Falling into the Comparison Trap

Falling into this comparison trap tends to have one of two outcomes: 1) we don’t measure up, so we’re disappointed, upset, or jealous, or 2) we come out ahead, so we’re pleased, encouraged, or boastful.

As a child and young man, I was painfully aware of the fact that my family was very poor. When it came to my worn clothing, modest home, scarce Christmas gifts, and lack of a family car for most of my childhood, I fell into the comparison trap all the time—and came out on the “losing end.”

However, as I’ve grown and matured, hindsight has shown me many more comparisons where my family never failed to come out ahead. Qualities my parents demonstrated and instilled in us kids, like faith, integrity, a strong work ethic, and loving devotion to family. Those areas may not be quantifiable or truly measurable, but I have no doubt that where it truly mattered, mine was a family of winners.

Why Does It Matter?

This week on his blog Seth Godin wrote about comparison, and how there will always be someone who is perceived as “better” in whatever area we are attempting to measure and compare.

Godin writes, “So what? What is the comparison for?… Just because a thing can be noticed, or compared, or fretted over doesn’t mean it’s important, or even relevant.”

He is absolutely right. Just because we can compare doesn’t mean we always should. So often the comparisons we get caught up in really don’t matter. So instead,

“Decide what’s important, what needs to change, what’s worth accomplishing. And then ignore all comparisons that don’t relate. The most important comparison, in fact, is comparing your work to what you’re capable of.”

 

The Most Important Comparison

Did you catch that? “The most important comparison, in fact, is comparing your work to what you’re capable of.” What an excellent piece of advice! So stop comparing to everyone and everything else, and instead focus on the comparison between what you’re currently achieving and what you know you’re capable of achieving. On the road to achieving greater success, that, my friends, is the only comparison that truly matters.

“Sure, compare. But compare the things that matter to the journey you’re on. The rest is noise.”

 

Question: Have you fallen into the comparison trap this week? Take a second look at that comparison. Does it really matter? If not, set your sights higher—on what you know you are capable of doing!