By: Avigail Feldman
So maybe it feels like everyone around you has their life all together, has that golden internship, perfect partner, all the connections, and you are stuck in a cycle of comparing your life to someone else's. Been there and done that. Actually, I just compared myself to someone my age last night. I honestly don’t know if it's ever going to stop or how to tell you how not to compare yourself to others. All I know is that you are not alone. I think over the past year and looking back at changes I have been through, I honestly am just learning day by day to be comfortable being uncomfortable.
I really think this is important for people, especially those around college age, to actually understand that being in uncomfortable situations is how you grow and learn. Maybe it's literally forcing yourself to stay in a new environment, go out with friends you're not close with, or go on that date. Being in college is such an interesting and odd time where you're thrown into so many new experiences and learning to go with it. I’ve definitely struggled with thinking about this and pushing myself to grow, so I thought I would share some lessons I have learned to potentially help one of you to embrace life and just go for it.
Understanding the Comparison Trap
It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others, especially in the age of social media where everyone’s highlights are on full display. You might feel like you’re falling behind, but it’s important to remember that everyone’s journey is unique. Comparisons are natural, but they can also be detrimental to our mental health and self-esteem.
The Power of Embracing Discomfort
Over the past year, I’ve realized the importance of embracing discomfort. It’s not about seeking out pain or hardship, but about recognizing that growth often happens outside our comfort zones. When we push ourselves to try new things, meet new people, and face our fears, we learn more about ourselves and what we’re capable of.
Learning to Go with It
Trust me, this is harder than it sounds but honestly, as a person who overthinks way too much, being able to adapt and go with the flow is crucial. Life is unpredictable, and being flexible can help you navigate its ups and downs. Trust that each experience, whether good or bad, is a valuable lesson contributing to your personal development.
Feeling like you’re stuck in a cycle of comparison or discomfort is something many people experience, especially in college. I wrote this not to tell you what to do, but maybe in hopes of changing your perspective. By embracing discomfort and viewing it as a pathway to growth, you can develop resilience, confidence, and a deeper understanding of yourself. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Everyone is figuring it out in their way, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time.
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