Never compare yourself to anyone else. You and I are individuals. We are uniquely designed to accomplish something – a purpose – if you will. When you make comparisons, whether you’re elevating yourself above another or diminishing your own self-worth, you do yourself a huge disservice.
Why? Because the journey you and I are on really isn’t about the external but the internal. We never truly become but are in a perpetual state of becoming. It isn’t about out-dueling the other guy but rather realizing our own potential – our better self – day-by-day – moment-by-moment.
Sounds a bit selfish right? Wrong! For ultimately the goal is not selfish ambition, but service. That’s right service. It’s about contributing to a greater good. However, we limit the extent of that, potential contribution if we have not fully developed ourselves. In other words, you cannot give what you don’t possess.
Henry Ford had no one to compare his vision to – to produce inexpensive goods while, simultaneously, paying his workers “higher” wages – an unheard-of business model at the time. But he did it. And what did he “give” the world through this self- actualization? The Model T!
Consider this. Imagine you’re building a five-story, forty-room mansion and your next-door neighbor is building a seven-room ranch. Your neighbor will, undoubtedly, be finished building, moved in and having a barbeque on the back patio, with friends and family, while you have nothing but a hole in the ground.
Not only will you have just a hole in the ground, everyone will know you just have a hole in the ground – the neighbors, passersby, family etc. Not only that, but when the rain comes, you will have a soggy, wet, muddy hole in the ground. A real mess! And for those who don’t understand that the taller the building the deeper the foundation must be, you will probably become the object of scorn and ridicule. Yes, unfortunately, even some close to you may view you as a loser.
Thus, if you are given to comparisons, you may abort your vision for the comfort of a one-story ranch when a mansion is in your heart. Contrarily, if you know who you are; if you measure yourself not against the so-called accomplishments of others but the innate whispering of your own spirit – you’ll let them laugh – knowing full-well that the vision will ultimately be realized in due time!
So, if it looks like you’re being out-distanced by others – seemingly more swift-of-foot than yourself – take heart. In fact – cheer for them. Root them on! Their race is their race. Yours is yours.
You are unique. You are worthy. There is no one like you. You are incomparable!
About The Author:
Vincent Lee Alston has been in the computer field for over twenty years. He’s done work for The Army Corps of Engineers, American Express and First National Bank to name a few.
In 2007 he made the big leap to filmmaking and wrote, produced and starred in his first independent film in 2009; FOR LOVE OF AMY directed by LOVE BOAT star turned director Ted Lange.
http://www.vincentalston.blogspot.com
