Do You Compare Yourself or Your Relationship to Others? 5 Surprising Ways to Stop Letting Comparison Steal Your Happiness

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Do you compare your relationship to others?

How can you identify and manage your triggers for comparison?

Today, Jay introduces the concept of social comparison theory, explaining the differences between upward - where we compare ourselves to those we perceive as better off, can lead to feelings of inadequacy if done with envy rather than a mindset of learning, and downward comparisons which involves comparing ourselves to those worse off, which can provide a temporary boost in self-esteem but is ultimately unproductive and unkind.

He shares practical strategies for reducing comparison, such as being mindful of social media usage, identifying personal triggers, and investing in self-improvement. Jay also stresses the importance of understanding the deeper, often hidden aspects of people's lives and why we usually compare our internal struggles with others' external successes, leading to a distorted and unfair self-assessment.

In the episode, you'll learn:

How to identify your goals

How to set mutual goals

How to be mindful of your triggers

How to invest in self-improvement

By seeking deeper connections and understanding the full context of others' lives, we can develop more empathy and reduce the impulse to compare and shift our focus from external comparisons to internal growth and relational strength, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and authentic life.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

01:28 Comparing Ourselves to Other People

04:32 Social Media Makes Unhealthy Comparison

05:27 The Two Social Comparison Theory

12:53 Everyone Has Different Values

14:26 Focus More on the Good You’re Doing

16:11 Focus on What It Take For You to Get There

17:39 Get to Know People Deeply

19:33 Be Conscious of Your Own Triggers

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