How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

We are all susceptible to comparison – either comparing ourselves to others in a superior way that leads to pride. Or focusing on someone else who seems to have the perfect life and letting discontentment grow in our own hearts. But you can break free from either extreme.

Remind yourself that . . .

1. Envy is pointless.

Often the devil wants to distract you from what God has for your life by getting you to focus on someone else. Don’t let him do that to you! Instead, focus on what God has for you and how he wants to use you.

2. You are unique.

You are not a victim in this life but a unique creation of God with a role he wants you to play in your world (see Psalm 139:14). If you spend your time trying to be someone else, you aren’t fulfilling the role he designed for you.

3. You can choose to accept yourself and others.

Ask Jesus to change your focus from appearances to what really matters (see John 7:24) so that you can accept others — and yourself — just the way they (or you) are.

The secret to contentment is not having a perfect life with everything you want. Contentment is a learned attitude (see Philippians 4:11–13). When you are tempted to play the comparison game, flex your gratitude muscles instead. You may want to start a thankfulness journal in which you list blessings God has given you. Or you may simply want to name them off while you drive in the car or pray or take a shower.

Choose to focus on Christ and his kingdom rather than others and the things of this world, and you will be amazed at how your perspective changes from comparison to contentment.

Meditate on David’s words in Psalm 139:14:
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.”

Drawn from Flourish: The NIV Bible for Women.