Who Cares if Their Grass is Greener?
I've been thinking a lot lately about the issues that arise when we we live a life of comparison, if you can't tell from some of my recent posts. Instinctively, we all know that it's a dangerous trap to fall into, yet we find ourselves coveting the successes of others on a daily basis. Of course, comparison breeds insecurity and a sense of dissatisfaction, this we know. But, what's a little social media stalking anyway? You already know that you aren't where you want to be in life, so why can't you look at someone you admire for inspiration? They motivate you to do more and do better, so it's kind of healthy, you tell yourself. You don't realize that, by seeking inspiration from someone else, you are getting your road map from a person who was never meant to be your guide.
they aren't your gps
I hate when people make false assumptions about me, yet I find myself making the same mistake all the time. I was watching Shark Tank the other day, and I thought, "Wow, it would be great to just invest in businesses all day,"...as if the investors got to where they are by just investing! They worked like crazy to get to the point where they have the privilege of doing what they do now, yet it's so easy to make the assumption that wealth was handed to them. When we compare ourselves to others, we assume that we are in the same phase of life, have had the same experiences, and should be in their shoes. But, their journey is not our road map, so we have to stop taking direction from them.
you can't mimic your way to happiness
Maybe imitation is the highest form of flattery, but it's the worst way to live an intentional life. Every person is unique, and our lives were not meant to be one size fits all. I don't care if that haircut makes your friend look ten years younger, you have a different face. I'm glad that her thighs are long and lean, but maybe you weren't meant to be a runner, so don't feel guilty when you detest marathon training. It's silly, the things we do because they worked for someone else, yet we find ourselves refreshing our Instagram feeds anyway.
Live at the beach instead
If you truly believe the grass is greener on the other side, recognize one key component to this metaphor: it's still not your yard. End of story. No matter how much you stare at it, wish for it, or try to grow the same results, what they have will never be the same as what you have. And once again, you are setting your standard from someone else's life. Maybe you were never meant to have green grass. Maybe you were meant to live at the beach with sand in your backyard, and doesn't that sound better? The only cure to break the habit of comparison is to live your own life, and you will eventually forget that you even cared about theirs at all.
Above all, remember that inspiration should be a small part of your day, not something you are constantly seeking. If you spend all your time "trying to get inspired" you will forget to actually do something that could inspire others. So, who cares if their grass is greener? Put down your phone, real life is calling.