7 Ways to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

In the 'On Purpose with Jay Shetty' podcast episode titled '7 Ways to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others,' Jay Shetty delves into the ubiquitous challenge of self-comparison. He starts by acknowledging that comparing ourselves to others is a universal struggle exacerbated by social media, which often showcases highlight reels that distort our perception of others' lives. Shetty emphasizes that such comparisons have existed long before social media, tracing back to childhood and throughout our development, where we measured ourselves against peers in academics, athletics, and other areas of life. He introduces two types of comparison: 'upward comparison,' where we compare ourselves to those we perceive as better, and 'downward comparison,' which involves comparing ourselves to those we perceive as having less. Shetty suggests that downward comparison can provide perspective and gratitude for what we have achieved.

Shetty shares a study involving monkeys that illustrates the emotional impact of comparison, highlighting how comparison can indeed be the 'thief of joy,' as stated by Theodore Roosevelt. He moves on to the roots of comparison, discussing how parenting and societal expectations can contribute to the problem. The episode pivots to providing practical solutions, outlining seven strategies to mitigate the habit of comparison. The first step is to define what success and happiness mean to the listener personally, across physical, financial, mental, emotional, and spiritual domains. The second step encourages discovering and focusing on one's strengths, using tools like the Gallup Strengths Finder.

The third strategy involves studying people's pains to realize that everyone faces challenges, making their lives more relatable and less idealized. The fourth method suggests collaboration over competition, fostering relationships and mutual growth with peers. The fifth is about remaining a student, staying curious, and learning from others' successes. The sixth step encourages doing small acts with great love, and the seventh advises completing a task that has been long postponed, to boost confidence and self-worth. Throughout the episode, Shetty weaves in personal anecdotes, scientific studies, and quotes to underscore his points, aiming to equip listeners with the tools to focus on their own journey rather than getting sidetracked by others'.