Hey there, D-Squad! Welcome back to my blog, where we embark on a journey of self-improvement and personal growth. Today, I want to share a powerful concept I stumbled upon over and over again: comparing myself to who I was yesterday, not to who someone else is today. This transformative idea comes straight from Jordan Peterson's thought-provoking book, "12 Rules for Life." So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, settle in, and let's dive into this exhilarating topic!
We live in a world of constant comparison. Thanks to social media, we are bombarded with highlight reels of other people's lives, making it easy to fall into the trap of self-doubt and dissatisfaction. But what if I told you that the secret to happiness and progress lies in focusing on your own growth rather than the achievements of others?
This powerful realization struck me during a recent hike in the mountains. As I trekked up the steep trail, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy as I saw experienced hikers effortlessly pass me by. My mind wandered, questioning my abilities and comparing myself to these seasoned adventurers. But then, a line from "12 Rules for Life" echoed in my head: "Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today."
That sentence hit me like a lightning bolt. I realized that each step I took up that mountain was a testament to my progress, my determination, and my resilience. I may not have been as fast or as experienced as those hikers, but that didn't diminish the value of my journey. I was improving, growing, and challenging myself one step at a time.
The beauty of comparing yourself to yesterday's version lies in its practicality. It's a mindset shift that focuses on incremental progress rather than immediate perfection. It encourages us to celebrate small victories and acknowledge our efforts. Just like a puppy learning to walk, stumbling and tripping along the way, we must embrace the process and be patient with ourselves.
Let me share a personal anecdote that solidified this idea for me. A few months ago, I decided to take up painting. As a beginner, I found myself endlessly scrolling through Instagram, comparing my amateurish strokes to the masterpieces showcased online. I felt disheartened and demotivated, questioning whether I had any artistic talent at all.
But then, I reminded myself of the wisdom in "12 Rules for Life." I shifted my focus from comparing myself to famous artists to comparing my current work to my earlier attempts. Instead of feeling defeated by the gap between my skills and theirs, I felt a surge of motivation as I witnessed my own growth. Each stroke, each painting, was an improvement from the last. I became my own source of inspiration.
By comparing ourselves to who we were yesterday, we cultivate a growth mindset. We embrace the process of learning and understand that success is not an overnight phenomenon. It's about showing up, consistently putting in the effort, and embracing failure as a stepping stone toward success. Here are some practical steps to help you embrace this empowering mindset:
1. Reflect on Your Progress: Take a moment each day to reflect on your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Celebrate the progress you've made and acknowledge the effort you've put in. This self-reflection will help you recognize the value of your personal growth.
2. Set Realistic Goals: Instead of setting your goals based on others' achievements, set goals that align with your own aspirations and capabilities. Break them down into smaller, achievable steps, and track your progress along the way. By focusing on your own journey, you'll find joy in every milestone you reach.
3. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity: Remember, success is not linear, and failure is an integral part of growth. View setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve. When you stumble, analyze what went wrong, make adjustments, and keep moving forward. By comparing yourself to yesterday's version, you'll see how setbacks have shaped you into a stronger and wiser individual.
4. Cultivate Self-Compassion: Be kind and patient with yourself throughout your journey. Avoid harsh self-judgment and negative self-talk. Treat yourself with the same understanding and compassion you would extend to a friend. Remember, progress takes time, and you're on a unique path that deserves your love and support.
5. Seek Inspiration, Not Comparison: Surround yourself with positive influences and sources of inspiration. Instead of comparing yourself to others, learn from their stories, insights, and experiences. Let their journeys ignite your own motivation and provide guidance, while still maintaining your focus on personal growth.
6. Foster a Growth Mindset: Embrace the belief that your abilities and skills can improve with effort and practice. View challenges as opportunities for growth, and don't shy away from stepping outside of your comfort zone. Embracing a growth mindset will fuel your desire to compare yourself to who you were yesterday, constantly pushing the boundaries of your potential.
So, my fellow Dogukaan Squad, let's adopt this empowering approach. Let's celebrate our progress, no matter how small, and acknowledge that every step we take brings us closer to our goals. Let's focus on our personal growth, nurturing the seed of potential within us.
Remember, life is a unique journey, and comparing yourself to others only hinders your own progress. Embrace your own path, appreciate how far you've come, and revel in the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
Until next time, stay inspired, stay motivated, and keep comparing yourself to who you were yesterday!
Yours truly,
Dogukaan