For this installment of our Monday Mirror: Personal Reflections that Increase Self-Awareness, I want to talk about comparison and the negative impact it has on our happiness.
In this world, there will always be someone that’s better looking than we are. Has more money and possessions than we do. Is a more gifted athlete… has more inate talent… has a better career than us. The list can go on and on and on, if we let it.
It has been said that, comparison is the thief of joy and I believe this to be true.
When we compare ourselves to others we are entering a slippery slope that can lead to all kinds of miscalculations and mischief.
For one, not everyone has the same genetics, upbringing, socio-economic status, or opportunities afforwarded to them. Our individual lots in life all have different starting points that are tied to a whole host of factors ourside our personal control.
This doesn’t mean that we all should just give up because we all started life at different starting lines. It just may take some of us a little more practice or effort to finish where we want to.
As has been said, “hard work beats talent any day.”
Rather than, comparing ourselves to others, we should compare ourselves to who we were yesterday.
There is great self-awareness and wisdom associated with making every day count and focusing on the micro-adjustments we can make in life now that will yield big results in the long-run.
Truth be told, in life, it doesn’t matter too much where we start. It matters who we were and the legacy we leave behind when our work here is done.
In this “hierarchy” of purpose, if you can win the morning, you can win the day, if you can win the day, you can do it again. And in the bigger scheme of things, winning days is how you manifest your destiny and make a difference.
If we need to compare ourselves to anything, let it be our own reflection.
Let me know in the comments below what you think about this Monday Mirror series. Is it something you’re enjoying and would like to see more of?
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A Little Bit About Me…
Hi, my name is Daniel Fortune. I’m a husband to 1, dad to 5, U.S. Army combat veteran, mental health advocate, writer, and public speaker currently residing in the central valley of the sunny state of California. I started the Minding My Own Madness Blog as with a vision to become one of the best personal development and mental health resource blogs. As someone who has battled with combat related PTSD and Bipolar 1 Disorder for 2 decades now, I intimately know the unique struggles people living with a mental illness face. Feel free to contact me at info@danielfortune.blog if you find yourself in crisis or would just like to say hi. I’m always just a message away.
“You can’t fail if you refuse to quit. Keep fighting the good fight and NEVER lose hope. You’re not alone. There are other people feeling the same way you feel right now. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of wisdom.”
I had the honor of serving with Fortune overseas. He is a solid guy and our relationship has lasted long after us both leaving the Army. He has helped me get out of dark places multiple times. I’m extremely grateful for his friendship and ability to sense when others are in need. Read his content, ask him questions, and journey well!
— Eric (Friend/Army veteran)
So glad I found this blog! It helped me find the mental health resources I needed and get out of a rough patch. Doesn’t hurt to shoot Daniel a message. He was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule to respond to me. You won’t regret it. He’s a really cool, down to earth, and knowledgable guy who knows what it’s like to struggle. So grateful for this blog!
— Spencer
Daniel Fortune 
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