Comparing Ourselves to Others Is Often Problematic
Comparison is hardwired into our psyches. But that fact doesn’t mean that comparing ourselves to others is always beneficial. Indeed, comparing yourself to other people may currently be standing between you and happiness.
According to the revered editorial staff at Psychology Today, the discipline known as social comparison theory originated with psychologist Leon Festinger in 1954. “Social comparison theory is the idea that individuals determine their own social and personal worth based on how they stack up against others,” the publication informs us.
In fact, up to 10% of the average person’s thoughts focus on some form of comparison:
- How attractive am I compared to other people?
- Is my best friend wealthier than me?
- I’m probably smarter than most people, right?
- Does my sibling live in a nicer house?
Here’s What Often Happens When We Compare Ourselves to Other People
Whether we’re scrutinizing a personal hero’s social media feed or visualizing how we shape up against a hypothetical average person, we must proceed carefully. If not, we may decide we are somehow worse than them.
While such a conclusion may inspire us to pursue a course of self-improvement, it could also have a negative impact. We may unintentionally lower our self-esteem which could spiral into depression.
Alternatively, when comparing ourselves to someone, we may decide we are better than them in some way. While that trait may have helped the strongest survive throughout the millennia, it won’t necessarily help us navigate today’s society. All of us are better off when, instead, we live life with appreciation. The ability to sustain happiness is priceless.
What If You Compare Yourself to, Well, Yourself?
You likely have a vision of who and what you want to be in life. Be gentle with yourself when you compare your current situation to your vision.
Remember that Teddy Roosevelt frequently opined, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” When comparing your position in life to past intentions, do not linger and denigrate yourself if you believe you have somehow fallen short. Otherwise, you will likely steal your own joy.
This Problem Can Compound Itself, Too
A recent study published by ScienceDirect, a respected database of peer-reviewed literature, underlines the problems associated with leaning too heavily on social comparison. The Swiss study examined how social comparison done by Instagram users impacts their psyches.
According to the researchers, “Individuals with more depressive symptoms are more motivated to assess themselves.” Unfortunately, such socially based assessment easily causes a vicious cycle. As a person becomes more depressed through social comparison, they become likelier to further socially compare themselves to others.
This insight explains the dreadful self-loathing that typically arrives near the end of an hours-long session on your chosen social media app.
What Can You Do Instead of Comparing Yourself to Anyone?
You can’t completely avoid social comparison, and you also shouldn’t want to always avoid it. In moderation, social comparison may help you lead a productive life.
To heighten your potential for inner tranquility, try not to let comparison be your go-to tactic.
For a happier life, make appreciation your psyche’s default setting. Here’s how:
- Try to live in the present moment whenever possible.
- Learn a style of meditation that you find comfortable.
- Show gratitude rather than focusing on your expectations.
- Focus on personal growth instead of perceived limitations.
- Graciously welcome compliments when you receive them.
- Celebrate others generously.
When you lean into appreciation, it will not feel natural overnight, but it can soon gain the same second-nature status as riding a bike.
Could Your Psyche Use a Boost?
Currently, you may need help breaking out of the insidious cycle perpetuated by comparison and depression. If you experience recurring depression that resists other treatment routines, our specialty at WIN-TMS may significantly benefit you.
The second half of our healthcare practice’s name stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation. This modern therapy offers you significant relief from depression:
- Our treatment is drug-free.
- It’s covered by insurance.
- Patients experience no pain during treatments.
- Side effects are nominal.
- You can drive to and from your short appointments.
- More than 80% of our patients begin experiencing results within a few sessions.
- Over 60% enjoy full remission.
You’ll receive TMS therapy in a relaxing setting at one of our four Milwaukee-area locations. A kind member of our well-trained staff will apply a small electromagnet to your scalp. Our therapy stimulates the brain’s motor cortex.
With this treatment, we reset your brain’s clock. Think of TMS therapy as a mind boost that can make your psyche more receptive to living in the present. As a result, you can rely less on social comparison and increase your potential for routinely experiencing joy.
If you would enjoy a mind boost from TMS therapy, contact WIN-TMS today. We’re here to answer your questions and guide you toward a happier tomorrow.
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