Do You Compare Yourself or Your Relationship to Others? 5 Surprising Ways to Stop Letting Comparison Steal Your Happiness
Do you compare your relationship to others?
How can you identify and manage your triggers for comparison?
Today, Jay introduces the concept of social comparison theory, explaining the differences between upward - where we compare ourselves to those we perceive as better off, can lead to feelings of inadequacy if done with envy rather than a mindset of learning, and downward comparisons which involves comparing ourselves to those worse off, which can provide a temporary boost in self-esteem but is ultimately unproductive and unkind.
He shares practical strategies for reducing comparison, such as being mindful of social media usage, identifying personal triggers, and investing in self-improvement. Jay also stresses the importance of understanding the deeper, often hidden aspects of people's lives and why we usually compare our internal struggles with others' external successes, leading to a distorted and unfair self-assessment.
In the episode, you'll learn:
How to identify your goals
How to set mutual goals
How to be mindful of your triggers
How to invest in self-improvement
By seeking deeper connections and understanding the full context of others' lives, we can develop more empathy and reduce the impulse to compare and shift our focus from external comparisons to internal growth and relational strength, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and authentic life.
With Love and Gratitude,
Jay Shetty
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro
01:28 Comparing Ourselves to Other People
04:32 Social Media Makes Unhealthy Comparison
05:27 The Two Social Comparison Theory
12:53 Everyone Has Different Values
14:26 Focus More on the Good You’re Doing
16:11 Focus on What It Take For You to Get There
17:39 Get to Know People Deeply
19:33 Be Conscious of Your Own Triggers
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