Breaking Free from the Chains of Comparison
How Focusing on Your Creative Genius Will Liberate You
Hello folks,
I've been thinking a lot lately about the society we live in, and I want to talk to you about something that's been on my mind - comparison. Now, don't get me wrong, a little comparison can be good. It can motivate us, help us set goals, even lead us to better ourselves. But have you noticed how easily it can go overboard? When it does, we often find ourselves trapped in a never-ending cycle of conformity and competition.
Let me explain.
The Trappings of Comparison
You know as well as I do that comparison can be a slippery slope. A little can inspire and motivate, but too much can lead us down a path we didn't intend to tread—one marked by conformity and competition.
Conforming to Fit In
When we constantly weigh ourselves against others, we feel a mounting pressure to fit in, to be more like this person or that person. The fear of standing out, of being different, pushes us to conform. We might find ourselves suppressing our unique identities to blend in with the crowd, and that's not what life's about, right?
The Exhausting Race of Competition
On the flip side, comparison often fuels a relentless competitive streak. We're no longer running our own race; we're constantly glancing over our shoulder to ensure we're ahead. In this scenario, success is not defined by our personal growth, but by outperforming others. But remember, that's an exhausting race to run.
The Magic of Creativity
So, how do we escape this comparison trap? The answer lies in creativity. When we focus on expressing who we are, on being innovative and authentic, we start to break free from the chains of conformity and competition. The result? We celebrate our diversity instead of hiding it, and success becomes more about personal growth and less about coming first in the race.
Steps to Cultivate Creativity
The shift begins with self-awareness. Recognize when comparison seeps into your thoughts and actions, and take a step back. Are you trying to conform? Are you competing unnecessarily?
Embracing a growth mindset is key. We are all works in progress, capable of learning, growing, and improving. Let's focus more on our progress, our journey, and less on the destination.
Lastly, let's get creative! Find what ignites your passion, and dive in. Whether it's art, music, writing, or cooking, allow these activities to provide an outlet for self-expression and help build resilience against the pressure of comparison.
Redefining Success
Let's redefine what success means to us. It's not about being the same as others or outperforming them—it's about being uniquely YOU. Let's break free from comparison, foster creativity, and celebrate our individuality.
Because at the end of the day, our unique contributions are what truly make a difference. Here's to our journey together!
“Success is about being uniquely you” 👏🏾👏🏾 This was an insightful read! Thank you!
Couldn’t agree more with this, comparison is a thief of joy. God bless you for this Adekunle!