Are you comparing yourself to others? Stressful situations and anxious thoughts feed comparing yourself to others. To make this easier to understand, we will focus on what specifically can happen because of stressful situations and having anxious thoughts.

If you have not already, please go read the blog titled, Do You Compare Yourself to Others All the Time?

Stressful Situations

Those situations and periods of your life that increase your stress level can make you more sensitive. They can make you prone to make a mistake at work because it is difficult to focus. Stressful situations can put you at risk of taking things personally from strangers and people you are close to. This elevated stress can also contribute to irritability, having less patience, and losing your temper. While all of these things are happening, you are still noticing people around you and seeing how they navigate the world. It is understandable to then compare yourself to them.

Anxious Thoughts About Yourself

Anxious thoughts can also lead to comparing yourself to others. When you have anxious thoughts about yourself and your abilities, they may turn negative. Notice if you are thinking negatively about yourself and if these anxious thoughts are sweeping statements. If so, then they weigh heavily on your mind. Anxiety is also referred to as the ‘thinking person’s condition’ and involves a lot of thinking about thinking.

When you are caught up in your anxious thoughts, you have so much information about yourself because you are you. Then you see how your peers, mentors, co-workers, and even relatives are navigating the world. It is easy to compare yourself to them because you mostly see their accomplishments, strengths, and pleasant outcomes. What you do not necessarily see is their own nerves and failures. Some of which may of led them to the success they have and also, the pedestal you are putting them on.

Many people have the tendency of comparing themselves to others. This happens more often when we are stressed and having anxious thoughts. It is ok, yet it is harmful to our own growth and success. To learn more about the harms of comparing yourself to others and how to work on your own development, reach out to The Lighthouse Emotional Wellness Center.

-Angela Zender

Anxiety coach at The Lighthouse Emotional Wellness Center

(847) 253-9769

Arlington Heights, IL