When I was in college, I loved it when my teacher graded on a curve. As one of the top students (read, total geek...) I could almost always count on a A for outperforming most of my classmates. And when it came to chemistry... well, my C-worthy grades were elevated to a B or B+ when graded on a curve.
You see, my grades weren't based on my absolute knowledge, but how well I performed relative to everyone else. And I always came out ahead.
But when it came to other types of comparisons, I usually didn't fare so well. That girl was prettier. That one had more money. That one was going on a killer spring break trip while I was stuck at home.
And when I got out into the professional world, those kinds of confidence-crushing comparisons continued. This colleague had a bigger email list. That one had a more successful launch.
The effect on my confidence? "What's wrong with me? What's wrong with me? What's wrong with me?"
The truth is, there wasn't a thing wrong with me. The problem was the comparisons I made, and the conclusions I drew as a result.
I was judging my worth on that same sliding scale, that same curve used by my favorite college professors. Only instead of being ahead of the curve, I always felt behind.
Because no matter how well I did, I could always find someone who did better.
Sound familiar?
The problem with comparisons is that you judge your worth relative to other people. And you can always find someone who's doing "better" than you are.
But your worth isn't relative. It isn't dependent on how other people are doing. And it doesn't fluctuate with your performance - or anyone else's.
Your worth is absolute. It is God-given and unchangeable.
So stop judging your worth on a sliding scale.
Stop sabotaging your confidence with soul-crushing comparisons.
