Comparisons

I’ll bet you’ve had this thought: “He or She always does that task so effortlessly. I wish I could do that with even half his or her talent.” When I have thought that (and you, too) I’ve compared myself to the other person, their skill level, their experience, their training. I focus on my deficiencies compared to their accomplishments. Here’s a plan for the new year…no more comparisons to the other person. I’m going to shift the focus back to my own experience. Did I do better this time as compared to the last time I tried to…. Am I making progress compared to my previous experience? Is the cake as good or better than the last one I made? Is there positive growth in my writing, or painting, or knitting…whatever the task? Am I improving, getting better, developing?

Maybe life would be more satisfying or happier if I stopped judging myself on the standards of someone else’s accomplishments. You and I both have gifts and skills that can bless the world…but not in exactly the same way my neighbor might do it. So, be grateful for little steps forward. Small steps of growth and personal development add up and help us become who we are meant to be. Press on with gratitude for the gifts you’ve been given and use them for blessing.