Because I was running a little late, I almost missed my yoga class warm-ups. By the time I got there, it was about time to start the regular routines. I noticed that the class was surprisingly small; only me and one other student. Turned out the other students had attended a class held earlier in the morning.
After about half way through the class, we went into a posture that I don’t always look forward to. We sit Indian style, palms facing upward resting on our knees. Then we bend forward and try to touch the floor with our forehead. I’m just not flexible enough to do that!
As I sat there struggling with the position, I heard that little voice in my head. It said, “Hey, check out your neighbor.” I didn’t want the girl next to me to notice, but I slightly glanced over her way only to observe that she was totally and fully in the position. Her legs were Indian style as she leaned forward with her forehead comfortably resting on the floor. She looked so comfortable until it appeared she was sleeping.
Even if I had tried, it would have been difficult to quiet that voice that kept saying things like, “She’s so much better at this than you.” “You need to be more like her.” “Look at her comfortably resting her forehead on the floor, and you’re struggling just to sit Indian style.” Before I knew it, I was totally engaged in the words spoken by that little voice.
Do you find yourself at times comparing yourself to others? It didn’t take long for me to snap back to reality and stop listening to the wrong voice and start listening to the right one. “But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12). Following are several reasons it’s unwise to compare yourself to others:
WHY IT’S UNWISE TO COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS
1. You have no idea what another person's journey is all about. You're on the outside looking in. If you knew their story, you might not be so quick to compare yourself to them.
2. It may not be realistic for you to be where someone else is or have what they have. Different people are at different stages at different times. I had never even met the young lady in my class. For all I know, she could have been another instructor who’s been practicing yoga for years.
3. Although you may think it is, the grass is not always greener on the other side. And, if you would simply water your grass, it could be pretty and green. If I would work a little harder, practice at home outside of class and attend class more regularly, I’m sure I would be comfortable in that yoga position in no time!
4. Comparing yourself to others can lead to bitterness, anger, jealousy, envy and even an unhealthy competition. If I don’t watch myself, I could find myself going to class with the sole purpose of outdoing my yoga classmate.
HOW TO STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS
1. Recognize and acknowledge your true value and worth, but at the same time, accept yourself even with all of your faults and imperfections. We all have them. Make positive changes where you can. Do what you can to change the things you can and accept the things you can’t.
2. Find your own gifts and talents and develop them. Don’t covet the gifts and talents of others. Find that thing God wants you to do. Become the person He wants you to be.
3. Learn to appreciate others for who they are. Build relationships with those who live productive lives so you can share with them and learn from them.
4. Celebrate and reward yourself for who you are! Thank God for everything He’s blessed you with; all of your abilities, gifts and talents. Ask him to forgive you for comparing yourself to others.
Remember, focusing on others and on what they are doing will hinder you from seeing what God has in store for you!
