Jack Zavada

Comparisonitis is a common illness that causes you to compare yourself to your friends, co-workers, siblings, and even celebrities. The problem with comparisonitis is that when you come up short in these comparisons, you can make yourself feel worthless and depressed. Fortunately there's a cure.

Instead of constantly comparing yourself to people who seem to have more than you, start comparing yourself to those who seem to have less. Now this change in perspective is not intended to make you feel superior to others or imply that they're inferior to you. But it will help you in two ways.

First, you'll be more grateful for what you do have, and second, you'll be more compassionate and giving toward people who seem to have less.

There's nothing wrong with being inspired by someone successful. However, don't let that inspiration turn into imitation. Imitating someone else will only make you a second-rate copy of them. Your destiny in life is not to be a copy; it's to be an original, the very best you that you can be.

Understand that your talents and gifts are unique. If you think you don't have any talents or gifts, it's only because you haven't discovered them yet. We all have areas in which we can excel. One way to find out where your true talent lies is to reflect on the thing you enjoy doing most. It may be a hobby, or a skill you use in your job. You can tell it's a gift when you not only enjoy doing it, but you're also good at it. It feels natural. It gives you a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Read about that subject. Research it. Find experts on it and ask them questions. As you learn more, you'll find ways that you can grow, and perhaps even make money with your talent. The more enthusiastic you become about it, the less time you'll spend comparing yourself to others.

You'll find a new source of excitement in your life, and your comparisonitis will soon become a thing of the past.