Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

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As we scan Facebook we see the best part of the lives of those we’ve “friended”. We view their vacations, their new homes, their children’s accomplishments, and their biggest life events. This is the highlight reel of their lives. Nobody puts the bad things on Facebook–When their 17 year old comes home drunk, the husband is caught having an affair or their spouse losses her job. As we look at the lives of others we often compare that to our own situation and we may look on with envy. The question really should be, what are you not seeing? The message: Stop comparing yourself to others.

Appreciate your life for what it is. If you have a good relationship with your spouse, that’s worth more than the lavish new vacation home your high school sweetheart just purchased. When your teen-aged daughter comes to you to share her inner most thoughts, that’s bigger than your cousin’s European vacation. When you are able to pay your bills and put money away for retirement every month, that’s more important than the new boat your college roommate just bought.

Stop focusing on what you don’t have and start focusing on what you do. Countless studies suggest that there comes a point where more money doesn’t equate to greater happiness. Once you reach a place where you can pay your bills every month, the incremental wealth doesn’t necessarily equate to greater happiness. In the end you may end up with a bigger house and a nicer car, but there comes a point where the house becomes a place to sleep and the car becomes the way you get to work. Daily life takes over.

Live within your means. This may not be exciting but it certainly reduces stress in life. According to a study done by Citigroup, 57% of divorces in the United States stem from financial stress. Experts can provide a lot of advice here, but the bottom line is if you spend more than you make each month, at some point it will catch up with you.

Stop trying to impress other people. Spend your money on things that benefit you, your family, and your passions. Before you make a large purchase, ask yourself why you are doing it. If the answer has anything to do with impressing other people, rethink your decision.

No one has an ideal life. We all have challenges in one form or another. Money can certainly make things easier, but it doesn’t eliminate problems. Focus your resources on the important things. Brad and Angelina looked like they had it all: looks, fame, money. Imagine that Facebook feed. In the end it wasn’t so perfect. We all need to take a step back, appreciate the good things that we have, and stop trying to measure ourselves against the all-star reel of other people’s lives. Stop comparing yourself to others and start appreciating the great things in your own life.