markson

Why do I sometimes find myself googling people from my past and checking on their accomplishments? Checking if they're doing better then me? If they have better jobs, higher status, more followers, more success? Comparing myself to them?

Why do I feel the urge to either devalue their achievements or justify my current conditions as “it's not that bad”, “you don't really know how much money they have”, “it's all just a picture”, “they must be miserable inside”. Why do I suddenly feel superior if I stumble upon an unsuccessful classmate?

What kind of a person does it make me?

In truth, I know that I haven't done everything that I could, everything that’s within my power. And I envy those who did.

On the other hand, if others haven't surpassed me, I don't have to feel bad about not realising my potential. In the end it's the results that matter, right? Wrong ...

Even if the whole humanity surpassed me, but I knew, that I've done everything that I'm capable of – I wouldn't feel envy. I wouldn't feel the need to compare myself to others. I would simply be happy.

Comparison to others doesn’t do any good. Realising one’s full potential does.