The comparison-game: What to do when you compare yourself to others

I don't believe you when you say you've never cared about opinions of others. A remark from someone like your brother, friend, stranger on social media, or even of your mum, can get under your skin. 

But how much do you allow yourself to be influenced by others? How do their comments affect you and how do you compare yourself to them?

Why do we compare?

In a world where we can lose ourselves in endless scrolling on timelines, it's hard to resist a reaction to what you see. It might be joy, jealousy, sadness, depression, a sense of failure, or... And to be honest, while some can handle this better than others, we all seem to have an urge to compare. Why? Because if we're just a little bit alike, then we feel like we belong.

And that's what we naturally want as social beings: belonging. After all, that is how we are created. Together you can achieve much more.

Has comparing had any effect on you?

As a Christian entrepreneur, you're likely to regularly find out about your competitors/people with similar businesses on various social media channels or websites. I know the danger of what's lurking around the corner... You start comparing yourself and before you know it, you feel completely down. 

If you are currently experiencing such a bottomless comparison-pit, then I hope the following is going to help you:

As a Christian you are made in God's image! He has given you - UNIQUE YOU - talents with which you may build His Kingdom. There is a path for you to walk, and it is NOT the same as the people you compare yourself to.

It's great to see what others are doing and get inspiration from them, but the most important and actually only measure is God!

What does God tell you?

Well, for sure this:

Psalm 37:7

Be silent in the Lord’s presence
    and wait patiently for him.
Don’t be angry because of the one whose way prospers
    or the one who implements evil schemes. (ISV)

What to do when caught in the comparison-game?

If you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to rest - allow it - and seek God. Seek His presence in what's bothering you. Seek His presence in that feeling you got after comparing yourself to others. 

Do this in the way you usually seek God. Maybe it's by closing your eyes and being quiet, maybe it's by reading the Bible, setting up soothing music, etc... Listen to what He wants to say. Take a step back, reflect, work on your patience... God is at work.

3, 2, 1... Action!

What comes out of this time with God? 

Has a certain thought occurred to you that will allow you to leave the comparison-game behind you?
>Like: You're good enough. I made you. You are where you need to be.

Have you been able to figure out why that thought occurred to you?
>Like: These are not My thoughts, don't let worldly desires distract you.

Did it make you feel that you need to work on something, and if so, can you now focus on what is most important to you or your business right now?
>Like: You saw this because this is where I want you to go next. This is My plan for you. What is your first step in following that plan?

If we believe in God, we have to believe in His Word that tells us He will guide us. We have to believe that each and everyone of us is different and that He has a plan for all of us.