Comparison and competition

I read somewhere recently that comparison was just a cousin to competition. Not that there is anything wrong with either of these states, but it is extremely easy when comparing to end up feeling either ‘more than’ or ‘less than’, neither of which is true.

Comparison can be very healthy if it encourages people to stretch and grow themselves; but again, it is all too easy to fall prey to egotistical thoughts that then can become your downfall. Like the other day when I was so sure that I had sent an email, and found myself beginning to blame the recipient for not replying to me. Because of course, I would never just not reply! And then, rather humblingly, I found that I had only sent the email in my head, and in actuality it had stayed in my Draft folder. Ah. Time to slow down and reflect.

This is just a tiny example, and there will be others in your life I’m sure. Perhaps its better on the whole to simply notice and observe when we are tempted to compare ourselves either favourably or unfavourably with someone else.