In a world where we’re bombarded by ‘success’ imagery, it’s easy to feel by comparison that we’re not quite enough.

In the media, we see sports stars and celebrities living the dream.  We see 6 pack abs and weight loss transformations.  We see inspiring jobs and people making a difference.  We see the high life of dream homes and exotic holidays.  Even our facebook friends are off exploring the world or sharing pictures of their perfect family or fancy new car.

Naturally, we make comparisons.  And if we don’t quite match up, it’s easy to become discouraged, to feel a certain discontent.

Today I offer a solution to that discontent.

image: earthzebra.com

Giving credit where it’s due, this solution actually comes via David Wood and his Kick-Ass Life Podcast.  Anyway, it goes like this:

Look up, compare down.

1.     Look up 

Some people are further along in their journey than you.  No matter where you are at on yours, this is always likely to be the case.  There will always be people who are smarter, stronger, wealthier, or in better shape than you.

Rather make unfavourable comparisons with these people, look up to them.  Find a role model amongst them.  Read their stories and you’ll find that ‘successful’ people aren’t different from the rest.  The idea of innate talent is somewhat of a myth.  Most successful people weren’t born gifted.  Many overcame incredible odds to get to where they are today.

There are so many examples of ordinary people who are living amazing lives.  It’s a demonstration of possibility.  Not only that, but whatever you want to achieve, it’s likely that someone else has already walked a similar path.  Use them as inspiration.  Learn from them.  Find mentors in them.

If they can do it, you can too.

Oftentimes, it’s not where we’re at that dictates how we feel, but if we’re making progress.  Setting a goal you’re passionate about and taking steps to achieve it can be incredibly satisfying.  Having something to believe in and look forward to is golden.  Sometimes the anticipation is the best part.

2.    Compare down 

When you do make a comparison with somebody else, how about comparing down?

Unhappy with your body?  How about comparing yourself with someone struggling with cancer or blindness.  Or a guy like Ryan Lythall.  Ryan was born with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy called Nemaline Myopathy.  He was given only one year to live.  He’s now 38 and must use a portable ventilator to breathe, and a wheelchair to get around.

Even Ryan compares down.  In this interview, he explains how lucky he feels to be born that way.  He has never known life without this struggle and feels sorry for those who’ve had to come to terms with paralysis following an accident.

Unhappy with your job?  Your home?  Your car? How about comparing yourself with someone who has none of these things?  I saw some real poverty when travelling in Latin America but it’s easy for us to lose perspective.  We take so much for granted.  Some people do not even have access to clean water.  And you think you know adversity?

Regardless of how bad a day you think you’re having, there are a lot of people who are a lot worse off.  Be grateful that you have a job, somewhere to live, and body that functions.  Be grateful you can put clothes on your back and a smile on your face.  Gratitude is genius.  Who are you comparing yourself to?

BIG IDEA: We compare our regular lives to the ‘highlight reels’ of other people’s lives.  And if we don’t quite match up, it’s easy to become discouraged, to feel a certain discontent.

TAKEAWAY: Look up, compare down.  Be inspired and learn from those who demonstrate the incredible possibilities in life.  Yet know that there are always people worse off than you.  Appreciate the simple things and you’ll be happier as you reach for the bigger ones.

ACTION STEP: Write down two things you’re grateful for today, one thing you’ve done well, and one thing you’re looking forward to.  Better still, do it every day!

Always Keep Reaching!

Mike