The Silent Race: Overcoming the Burden of Comparison

The Nature of Competition and Comparison.

From the moment we step into this world, we are measured and compared. Parents compare their children’s height and weight schools rank students based on their grades, and society subtly reminds us that our worth can be weighed against others. The truth is, competition and comparisons have been ingrained in human nature from time immemorial But while they may seem inescapable, understanding their impact on our lives can help us navigate them wisely.

Early Comparisons: The Seeds of Competition

As children, comparisons start innocently. Parents might discuss milestones, sharing anecdotes like, “My child started walking at 11 months, what about yours?” Such comments, though harmless on the surface, can plant seeds of competitiveness. Schools intensify this with rankings and awards, unknowingly fueling the belief that worth is tied to external success.

These early comparisons aren’t necessarily detrimental. Healthy competition, when guided, can push us to strive for better, to unlock our potential. However, when the focus shifts entirely to winning, rather than learning and growing, the real harm begins.

The Pressure of Academic Competition

As we grow, academic competition takes center stage. Exams, entrance tests, and the ever-elusive “perfect score” create a whirlwind of pressure. Parents, peers, and even societal expectations add fuel to the fire, often creating a culture where self-worth becomes tied to performance.

It is crucial to recognize that competition, especially in academics, is meant to foster excellence, not diminish one’s sense of self. Not everyone will be a topper, and that’s okay. The purpose of education is to discover one’s passion and hone skills, not merely to outrun others. Success is personal and multifaceted, far beyond the marks on a report card.

The Professional Landscape: A New Arena for Competition

The competitive spirit does not end with school. In the professional world, it takes on new forms. Promotions, salaries, job titles, and achievements become the next markers for comparison. Social media amplifies this, with constant updates on others’ successes making it harder to escape the urge to measure up.

But here’s the key: every journey is unique. The corporate ladder is not the only path to success. Some find fulfillment in entrepreneurship, others in creative pursuits, and some in public service. The moment we stop comparing our journey to others, we find true freedom to explore our own potential.

Personal Life: The Subtle Competition

Even in our personal lives, competition subtly exists. From the type of house we live in to the kind of relationships we nurture, there is always an undercurrent of comparison. Social norms dictate what success looks like, whether it is settling down at a certain age, owning property, or having children.

But these benchmarks don’t define happiness. Personal fulfillment comes from understanding what brings us joy, what aligns with our values, and not from checking boxes set by others.

The Harm of Defining Self-Worth Through Comparison

The most important lesson I have learned, after decades of experience, is that competition and comparison are only harmful when we allow them to define our sense of self. Life is not a race. It’s a journey where we must embrace our unique path, regardless of how it compares to others.

Instead of constantly competing, let us shift our focus to collaboration. When we see life as an opportunity to learn from others, rather than outdo them, we open doors to growth, empathy, and true success.

Embracing Our Unique Journeys

Race is inevitable in every stage of life. But remember, our biggest competitor is ourselves. Strive to become a better version of who we were yesterday, and let that be our measure of success.

A powerful example of this is Sergie Bubka, the king of pole vault. The height of 6 meters was regarded as impossible in pole vaulting. However, Bubka cleared this height for the first time in June 1985. He then increased the record incrementally, setting his 17th and final world record with a vault of 6.14m in July 1994, a record which still stands today.

Conclusion:
The Only Comparison That Matters

In the end, the only comparison that matters is the one between who we are and who we aspire to be. Everything else is noise. This piece beautifully captures the realities of competition and comparisons that we all face at various stages of life. It highlights a common experience, starting from childhood and extending into adulthood, while offering a balanced perspective on how to handle it. Embrace your unique journey instead of being caught up in the race, especially in a world where social media and societal expectations make comparisons feel inevitable.

A.K.Narayanan
Email id :akkarnaryan@gmail.com

www.motivedomain.com