Comparisons. They take place everywhere- in newspapers, television, social media and even in our own minds. However, while growing up, I have learned comparing yourself to others has a very detrimental effect on your own mental health. It begins to be easy to feel lesser than or below another person.

On one hand, social media is one of the most toxic roots for comparisons. It is almost impossible to not see someone and wish to look like them, desire their items or have their lifestyle. While this may seem as simple as being slightly jealous, in reality you are comparing yourself and your life to someone else’s.

On the other hand, it is also extremely easy to find yourself making comparisons to the people around you. I know I have experienced comparing myself to friends or acquaintances, and it only worsened how I felt about myself.

However, from these points in my life, I have learned it is so important to find happiness in the life you live. Rather than wondering why you can’t be in the position of the people around you.

In no world do you need to compare yourself. It is extremely crucial to find your own identity and be confident in it. When I began to focus on my own confidence, I saw a huge difference in the amount I compared myself to others. 

While gaining confidence is a lot easier said than done, it is so important to make little lifestyle changes to do so. Those could include reading yourself affirmations when waking up or going to bed, or focusing on your own growth and choices more than you focus on others.

Just like you are as important as what you do, you are more important than what others do.