Comparison is the Thief of Joy & Productivity

We’re talking about one last thing that can really get us stuck, needing discipline to get us out – and that’s comparison. Comparison is the thief of joy AND productivity. Every moment we spend comparing ourselves and our circumstances to those around us is valuable time wasted. However, what if we could draw inspiration from those we hold in this high regard? Inspiration now becomes fuel for us to exhibit the excellence we see in them. It creates a level of curiosity in us – so instead of being discouraged by comparison, we are able to be curious about their journey and what it took for them to get to where they are now. So the choice is yours, the choice is mine. We are going to choose inspiration over comparison. Isn’t that a powerful shift? 

One of my favorite quotes about focus is from Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln is a perfect example of someone who I admire so much. And if I compared myself to his accomplishments, I would be overwhelmed with feelings of inadequacy. Fear will overtake me and stall my progress. How could I ever measure up to some of the greatest leadership accomplishments literally in the history of the world? That's going to paralyze me. 

When I focus though, on the actions that led to his accomplishments, I can be inspired by what it took for him to become the great leader that he was and I can begin to put those principles into action. So then I focus on the fact that he had tremendous humility and tenacity, he engaged his intellect, he had faith in others, he showed perseverance in the face of adversity. When I’m not stuck in the trap of comparison, I'm inspired to be humble, tenacious, to engage my intellect and to persevere through challenges. I'm inspired to have faith in others and to stand up for what’s right. But every bit of this takes discipline. So Discipline is the glue that binds the system together. I’m going to be disciplined in Honesty and Hard Work. And, like we discussed today, you can choose to be disciplined in choosing courage over fear, the pursuit of excellence over perfection, preparation over projection and inspiration over comparison. Our hope at The Winning Tools is that you have a deeper understanding of what you’re capable of when you are operating out of Honesty, Hard Work and Discipline.

In meeting me here each week, you’ve been learning to lay an unshakeable foundation and we believe that the sky's the limit for you. We are so grateful to be on this journey with you towards a life marked by excellence. Thank you for choosing The Winning Tools as a destination for your growth in personal development. 

Something to think on this week: Where is comparison showing up in your life? What would it look like to be inspired instead of stuck in comparison? List 3 qualities of the person or thing you’re comparing yourself or your circumstances to as things you can be inspired to create discipline around.