''Life was not a walk in the park.''

Comparing yourself to others can steal your happiness.

"You'll be relieved when you finish college." Bret's parents said those words to him to motivate him to study well when he was still in elementary. 

For years, he believed it because he saw his father's friends drive expensive cars and live in large houses after graduating from college and working as seamen.

His dedication in school earned him awards, leading to an internationally sponsored full scholarship at a prestigious college. It was all due to his perseverance and hard work.

Life was not a walk in the park, though, so he was bombarded with a ton of problems. 

His mother was diagnosed with a severe illness. His father lost all of his side jobs. The company that supported him did not contact him for a long time.

Bret knew he had to help his family, so he applied for every job imaginable, both online and offline. 

He applied for jobs ranging from online tutoring to graphic design but was turned down because he lacked relevant experience.

After his job search yielded no results, he found himself lost and directionless. 

He experienced distress and aimlessly scrolled through social media, where he observed his former classmates excelling as ship officers, traveling globally, and starting new businesses.

Those circumstances weighed heavily on his heart, filling him with despair. Bret thought life was unfair and that he did not deserve to be unsuccessful, but one day he came across a podcast that hit home to him.

The host tells him that comparison robs him of joy and that everything is happening for him, not to him. He took action!

He reapplied and got hired as an ordinary seaman on an international ship. 

It's best not to compare yourself to others, especially on social media, as it can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

Each person's life journey unfolds uniquely, with its own story, timeline, and challenges. 

You can get promoted at the age of 23, or you can get promoted at the age of 30. In other cases, some individuals may transition to new careers, while others prioritize personal development.

Though it's typical for both you and your parents to anticipate stable jobs after college, assuming it guarantees success. 

Success, however, is multifaceted and includes factors like personal growth, resilience in the face of challenges, and pursuing meaningful experiences beyond just employment stability.

Remember that life does not work that way, and you get to understand that when you set out to reach a goal, it is not a straightforward process, and you will likely encounter setbacks that will make you feel like all your past efforts are useless.

To stay positive, avoid comparing yourself to others, particularly on social media.

Constant comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, hindering your personal growth and well-being. 

Instead, focus on your own progress and celebrate your achievements. People usually display the best parts of their lives online, so it's important to realize that this may not show the whole picture.

If what you see online doesn't serve your own mental health and well-being, it may be best to limit your exposure or take a break from social media altogether.

You can unfollow friends without unfriending them and unfollow pages that provide unhelpful information and advice.

This action helps limit your exposure to triggers that may negatively impact your self-esteem and confidence.

Do this instead, follow personal improvement and career advice pages that provide valuable and uplifting content.

You can also engage in activities like writing a journal, reading books and articles, listening to podcasts, watching good YouTube videos, taking online courses, doing physical exercise, and following your creative itch.

You can choose from any of those activities or create your own. In that way, you are getting back control in your daily life and not controlled by what appears on your social feed. 

You can set time limits for social media usage, prioritize real-life interactions, and engage in activities that promote personal growth and well-being.

As Teddy Roosevelt wisely said, "Comparison is the thief of joy."" While it may seem cliché, remember that comparing yourself to others is harmful. 

Instead, compare your present self with your past self so you can better gauge your improvement and feel more fulfilled with what you have and what you have achieved.

As we journey through life, remember that online content may not be what it seems, so be discerning. Look out for red flags such as exaggerated claims and displays to protect yourself from toxicity and misinformation.

Conclusion

Life is full of unexpected events, such as job loss, illness, or financial problems, each with its own unique purpose and lesson, all meant to shape you into a better version of yourself.

Like, Bret, sometimes we are guilty of comparing ourselves to others and feeling inadequate, but it's important to remember that everyone's journey is different and unique.

Whether it's a good or bad experience, you get to accept it as part of your journey, learning valuable lessons and gaining insights that contribute to your personal growth. 

While you can't always control the situation you find yourself in, you can control how you respond to it.

Be intentional with what you do and focus on your own growth and progress.

Remember that comparison is the thief of joy, so stay true to yourself and trust in your own abilities.

Your journey is yours alone, and it's important to appreciate the lessons and experiences that come your way.

You can handle any problem and come out stronger than before by cultivating a growth mindset, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, and consistently working hard to improve yourself. 

Limit social media usage and focus on what moves the needle.

Remember, the only person you should be competing with is the person you were yesterday, striving to surpass your previous achievements and become a better version of yourself.

So, the next time you encounter a setback or obstacle, remember to stay positive, stay focused, and keep pushing forward.

Success may not come overnight, but with perseverance, dedication, and faith in God, anything is possible.