In today’s world, comparison has become almost unavoidable. We see classmates scoring high ranks in exams, friends excelling in their studies, and others already earning or mastering new skills. Naturally, we start to look at ourselves and feel left behind. At times, I’ve caught myself thinking, “They are moving forward, and I am empty.”
But the truth is—comparison is a trap. It blinds us from seeing our own progress and only highlights where others are ahead. Someone’s success begins to feel like our failure, when in reality, both journeys are separate. Life is not a race where everyone must reach the finish line at the same time. Everyone grows at their own pace, and everyone’s timeline is different.
When we stop for a moment and reflect, we realize that we too have our own strengths and paths. While some friends may be excelling in academics or already working, others may be learning valuable skills or exploring fields like trading, coding, or entrepreneurship. These might not bring instant recognition, but they are seeds planted for future growth.
The key to breaking free from comparison is shifting focus inward. Instead of asking, “Why am I not like them?” we should ask, “What can I do today to improve myself?” This small change in mindset turns comparison into motivation. One hour of coding, one new lesson learned, or one step forward in a personal project may seem small today, but over time, these consistent actions create powerful results.
At the end of the day, the only real competition is with ourselves. Friends doing well in studies, skills, or life should inspire us, not discourage us. Their success doesn’t mean we are failures—it simply means their story is unfolding differently from ours. The real victory comes when we can look back and say, “I didn’t quit. I kept growing. I became the best version of myself.”