Comparison is the thief of joy, and it can lead you into a downward spiral of performance. In today’s Monday Morning Moments podcast episode in our series entitled “It’s Not About You,” I share different ways that we can compare ourselves, the trap of comparison and 6 ways it can steal your joy and lead you into a downward spiral, and 3 ways you can combat comparison in sports, business, and life.
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Show Notes:
Comparison can be defined as “the thief of joy.”
Ways we can compare:
- To others
- To our previous self
- To what others have
- To what we wished we had
When we fall into the trap of comparison, we forsake the opportunity to step into the current moment with joy, gratefulness, and faithfulness.
6 Ways Comparison Leads Us Into A Downward Spiral:
- Comparison steals our joy.
- Comparison wastes our time.
- Comparison robs us of being fully present and giving our best.
- Comparison leads to complacency.
- “At least I am doing better than them.”
- Comparison leads to a scarcity mentality.
- Versus having an Abundance mentality.
- Idea that there is only so much glory to go around and that if someone else wins or succeeds that we begin a downward spiral of doubt towards ourselves versus knowing we can also have another opportunity to succeed in the next moment.
- Comparison undermines a growth mindset.
- Comparison nurtures a fixed mindset. Joy nurtures a growth mindset.
- Comparison discredits God who created us.
- He has uniquely created you with gifts and talents and given you moments to glorify Him in the process of using your gifts and talents in all areas of your life.
- He did not create us to compare ourselves to others. He wants us to be content with who we are and make the most of the moments we have been given.
Ways to combat comparison:
- Be grateful for who you are and what you have.
- Be content in all circumstances. Paul in Philippians 4
- Become a “Rejoice Always” type of person
- “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
- “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24