“From the first time we complain to Mom at the family dinner table that “it’s not fair” when our sister gets a bigger slice of dessert, we’re constantly looking to our left and to our right to see how we measure up to those around us. Sometimes we come up short—she’s skinnier, funnier, or smarter. Sometimes we come out on top—our house is bigger, fancier, cleaner. But this game of comparison is a game with no winners.

When we don’t measure up, envy and jealousy take root. Your kitchen was perfectly fine until you saw your friend’s newly renovated one.

When comparison ends up in our favor, pride and arrogance can trap us. She could lose the weight if she would just exercise like you do.

But ugliest of all, comparison can trick us into delighting in the misfortune of others. Have you ever been just a little bit happy to hear about a friend’s breakup? Or to see a colleague at work passed over for a promotion?

There is simply no win in comparison. It brings envy, jealousy, pride, and arrogance. It leads us to make unwise financial decisions just to keep up with those around us. It stains our friendships with gossip and striving. Let’s decide today to stop playing the game of comparison—it’s a game you simply can’t win.

TRY THIS: See how many times you can catch yourself in the comparison trap today—maybe with co-workers, in the carpool line, or on social media.”

You can read more about Sandra Stanley by visiting www.comparisontrap.org

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