Rat Race

Our world, whether we like it or not, is driven by a force. The force is our constant need to feel appreciated. That's just how we humans function - we always seek to fit in, subconsciously putting us in this endless, self-defeating rat race.

It's almost impossible for us to feel content with ourselves nowadays. We have standards for everything - beauty, intelligence, class, how someone should behave. Ideals that are impossible for an average girl/boy-next-door to meet. Don't get me wrong here, it's always good to strive to be the best versions of ourselves.

The problem here, however, lies in the yardstick by which we measure ourselves. We quantify our worth in terms of how much better or worse we're doing in comparison to other people. Ignoring the fact that we are all very different individuals to begin with.

As we've all learnt in our science classes, in order for an experiment to be fair, all variables are to be kept constant except the one we're measuring. Therefore, if we are measuring our progress and achievements, it is only fair if you're comparing with someone who is 100% identical to you.

What I'm trying to get at is, stop comparing yourself with everyone else because we are all different. We all have different experiences and different problems. Therefore, we can't possibly derive a sense of inferiority or superiority from this comparison.

You are not worse than that person you're jealous of, YOU ARE YOU. You have your own struggles, they have theirs. You have your own merits, they have theirs. Even though it's easy to feel like you're utter crap in comparison to someone else, remember that no matter how glamorous someone paints their life to be, they too have their dark times.

Similarly, you are not better than anyone else. Don't put others down because they are not as accomplished as you are. We are all at different stages of our lives. We may be taking different routes, some may be faster or slower than others, but we are all heading towards the same direction - to be happy and to be appreciated.

The only two people you need to compare with are your past and future selves. How far have you come, where do you want to be? Give yourself credit for whatever progress you've made thus far and set realistic goals for your future. Base your progress on your internal growth and not external factors. 

Whether you like it or not, you're all you've got for the rest of your life. Learn to embrace all your flaws and recognise all your strengths.

Exercise some empathy, not only on others but on yourself too. Be kind.