Comparison is the Thief of Joy

Comparison is the thief of joy. This famous quote by Theodore Roosevelt often reminds me of the importance of choosing the courage to be myself.

It’s so easy to glance at what others are doing and think we are not good enough, have not accomplished enough, or living life enough.

Comparing will leave you in an endless cycle of missing out on gratitude and your own unique gifts. If you can start tapping into gratitude and cultivating your gifts, the comparison lense can begin to disappear out of view.

Focus On What You Do

We all have different skills and strengths. That’s what makes this world go round and round. You may not feel confident about your skills but you can start right where you are.

Comparing will keep you stuck but focusing on what you have to offer will keep you moving forward. Focus on what you do. Master it. Do it well. Don’t try to be the ‘next person’. There is only one YOU and the world wants to hear from YOU.

You have gifts and talents to share with the world. Even if you think someone has already done it. You will always bring your own spin, your own style, and your own story to the work.

There is an audience that wants to read your book. There is an audience that wants to hear you speak. There is someone who wants to buy your art. There is someone who wants to eat your baked goods. And there is someone who wants to pay you for your service.

How Do You Master Your Craft?

Here are Five Tips to help you master your craft:

Read and Research: read, read, and read some more. Read as much as you can about your craft. Learn from others who have come before you. Gather tips, ideas, and research what course or steps you might have to take.

Network with others: Talk to other people who might help you work on your craft. Even if you don’t share the same skills or craft, there are lessons and experiences that can be shared.

Practice makes perfect; You know how the saying goes. Well, it’s true! Now I am not talking about being a perfectionist. That won’t sustain you nor is that reality. I am talking about consistently working at your craft that you get so good, you can do it in your sleep. The kind of practice that challenges and grows you. Make it about that kind of practice.

Ask for help: stop trying to be a martyr. You don’t get points for martyrdom and we all could use a little help. There might be an area of your craft you just might have to outsource. Maybe your focus is on the content or product itself, but you don’t have a tech or numbers brain. Ask for help in those areas that will make working on your craft easier. Ask. For. Help. You’ll be glad you did.

Stop thinking and start doing: You want to pursue your craft, you just have to go for it. You could keep thinking about it over and over. Trying to figure out all the moving parts. All the reasons not to start. It’s not the right time. I need to wait until I am ready. The right time is now. At this moment. Figuring it out one baby step at a time.

Your skills are valuable and worthy. Drop the comparison and start crafting. You’ll be surprised what you discover about yourself.

If you’re ready to stop comparing yourself with others and begin tapping into your gifts, the choose courage daily journal will help you on your journey. It’s a great way to help you choose courage and practice gratitude. You can purchase it on Amazon.

In Love and Courage,