A lot of people think that success is the same for everyone, but success is subjective. We all receive success in different forms, and everyone has their criteria for becoming successful.

Joshua Becker, an American author, says that the tendency to compare ourselves to others is as human as any other emotion, but it is a decision that only steals joy from our lives. And it is a habit with numerous shortcomings.

Comparison is a consideration or estimate of the similarities or dissimilarities between two things or people.

Clarissa Uwimana, a counselor, says that comparison is very harmful to the mind.

"Comparison often results in resentment towards ourselves and to others but mostly to ourselves. You fail to recognise your achievements and your potential if you are constantly in denial of what you are capable to do, and this results in depression and self-deprivation, where a person thinks they don’t deserve anything good because they are not good enough,” she says.

Angelo Rurangwa, a business owner, says that comparison is always unfair to us.

"We compare the worst we know about ourselves to the best we presume about others, which kills most people’s joy because people believe that what others show them is the real truth and fail to recognize that those maybe having problems behind too. They compare themselves because they believe what they only see,” he says.

In Becker’s article, he says that Comparisons rob us of precious time.

"We each get 86,400 seconds each day. And using even one to compare yourself or your accomplishments to another is one second too many,” he notes.

How to stop comparing yourself to others

Becker’s title suggests a few tips to help people to stop comparing themselves to others.

Be aware of its ill effects

Take notice of the harmful effects comparing yourself to others has on your life. Intentionally remove it from the inside out to free yourself from the damage this mindset has had on you.

See your successes

Whether you are a writer, musician, doctor, landscaper, mother, or student, you have a unique perspective backed by unique experiences and unique gifts. You can love, serve, and contribute.

Desire the greater things in life

Some of the greatest treasures in this world are hidden from sight: love, humility, empathy, selflessness, and generosity. Among these higher pursuits, there is no measurement.

Compete less and appreciate more.

There may be times when competition is appropriate, but life is not one of them. We have all been thrown together at this exact moment on this exact planet.