Y’all! Life is crazy when it comes to the way we compare ourselves to others. For years, I’d log onto “MySpace” and “TheFacebook” (did I age myself?) and see how my life stood up against others. I was measuring my success and failures to people who didn’t even know I existed (for the most part). I’d tell myself, “If only my life was as good as “so-and-so, I’d have it made.” That is stinking thinking.
As a teacher, I see firsthand how comparison can take over and dominate the lives of our students. Our kids are comparing themselves to anybody…and everybody who has a social media account. From “influencers” to musical stars, and movie stars to “freaking thugs”… today kids (and adults) are comparing themselves to everybody! The way social media platforms highlight the perceived “achievements and successes” of others, it’s no wonder that a culture of comparison has become an all-too-familiar part of life.
It is human nature to assess ourselves in relation to others, seeking validation and measuring our worth. However, what many folks fail to realize is that constant comparison has the potential to crush creativity and ultimately destroy the legacy we strive to create. I want to take a few minutes to dive into the paradox of comparison and explore its detrimental effects on creativity and the long-lasting impact it can have on our legacy.
- The Creativity Paradox:
Comparison often emerges from a desire to excel and improve oneself, but it can unintentionally stifle creativity. When we constantly compare our work to that of others, we risk losing our unique voice and ideas. Originality and innovation thrive in an environment free from the constraints of comparison. By fixating on others’ achievements, we limit our own potential to explore uncharted territories and develop our creative abilities.
- The Dangers of Self-Doubt:
Comparison breeds self-doubt, leading to a constant questioning of our abilities and worthiness. When we constantly compare ourselves to others, we start questioning whether our work is good enough, losing confidence in our own unique abilities. This self-doubt can paralyze our creative process, preventing us from taking risks and experimenting with new ideas. The cycle of comparison traps us in a never-ending loop of dissatisfaction and insecurity, hindering our creative growth.
- The Illusion of Success:
Comparison often skews our perception of success and what it truly means to leave a lasting legacy. In our pursuit of recognition and validation, we may fall into the trap of equating success with external markers, such as accolades, awards, or societal approval. However, true creativity and a meaningful legacy are not measured by comparisons to others. They stem from an authentic expression of one’s unique talents and a genuine impact on the world. By succumbing to comparison, we risk compromising our true creative potential and diluting the significance of our legacy. Also…it’s important to remember that my idea of success and your (or someone else’s) idea of success may be two totally different concepts. Your “markers for success” may be (and should be) different from mine. Why? Because the goal or milestone I’m currently chasing is probably different than yours. And…if our goals are the same, there’s a good chance that the reasons and methods we are trying to attain the same outcome are totally different. I’m me…and you are you.
- Nurturing a Creative Mindset:
To break free from the destructive effects of comparison and nurture our creative potential, it is crucial to adopt a healthy mindset. Here are a few strategies to consider:
a) Embrace Uniqueness: Recognize that each individual possesses a distinctive set of talents and experiences. Embrace your unique qualities and use them as a foundation for your creative endeavors.
b) Focus on Growth: Instead of fixating on others’ achievements, prioritize personal growth and improvement. Set goals that align with your creative vision and measure your progress based on your own development rather than external comparisons.
c) Cultivate Inspiration: Seek inspiration from various sources, such as God, nature, art, or personal experiences. Engage in activities that foster creativity and fuel your passion, allowing ideas to flow organically.
d) Collaborate, Don’t Compete: Instead of viewing others as competitors, seek collaboration and learning opportunities. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who encourage and support your creative journey.
5. God’s Views on Comparison
When examining the idea of comparison and its effects on creativity and legacy through a biblical lens, several principles come to light. Here are a few biblical principles that can be associated with this idea:
- Embracing our God-given uniqueness: The Bible affirms that each person is fearfully and wonderfully made. We are created with unique talents, abilities, and purposes. When we embrace our individuality, we honor God’s design and can contribute to the world in a way that reflects our distinctiveness. Comparing ourselves to others undermines the truth that we are each created with a specific purpose and set of gifts.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. ~Psalm 139:14
- Contentment and gratitude: The Bible encourages us to find contentment in all circumstances. When we constantly compare ourselves to others, we often fall into the trap of discontentment, longing for what others have or questioning our own worth. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude for what we have been given allows us to focus on utilizing our unique gifts and talents rather than longing for what others possess.
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. ~Philippians 4:11
- Stewardship of talents: The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) teaches us about the responsibility we have to use and develop the gifts and abilities entrusted to us. Comparison can hinder our ability to steward our talents effectively, as we may become preoccupied with what others are doing instead of focusing on developing our own skills. By recognizing the value of our unique abilities and investing in their growth, we can fulfill our role as faithful stewards.
“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. Now after a long time, the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming, I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ ~Matthew 25:14-30
- Serving others: Jesus taught that greatness comes from serving others. When comparison consumes us, we can lose sight of the opportunities to serve and bless others with our creative contributions. By shifting our focus away from comparison and towards using our talents to make a positive impact on others, we align ourselves with the biblical principle of selfless service.
But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” ~Mark 10:43-45
- Finding identity in Christ: The Bible reminds us that our true identity is found in Christ (Galatians 2:20). When we constantly compare ourselves to others, we risk placing our identity and worth in external measures of success and validation. By anchoring our identity in Christ and seeking His approval above all else, we free ourselves from the destructive cycle of comparison and find the freedom to express our creativity without seeking validation from the world.
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. ~Galatians 2:20
God, through the Bible, encourages us to embrace our uniqueness, find contentment and gratitude, steward our talents, serve others, and find our identity in Christ. By aligning our thinking and actions with these principles, we can break free from the negative effects of comparison, nurture our creativity, and leave a lasting legacy that reflects God’s design and purpose for our lives.
Bottom Line Y’all…
While it is natural to compare ourselves to others, we must recognize the detrimental effects it can have on our creativity and legacy. By breaking free from the confines of comparison, we open ourselves up to a world of boundless creativity and the potential to leave a lasting impact. Embrace your uniqueness, nurture your creative spirit, and focus on personal growth rather than external validation. Remember, true creativity knows no bounds, and it is in embracing our individuality that we can forge a legacy that stands the test of time.
Pivot Then Live It 
Leave a Reply